we are responding to the changes in the terri hail preferences of veterans and their families by constructing a great number of cremated remains. we are also developing a new memorial wall in our cemetery to honor the veterans who remain on not available for burial. the va expanding the head start a war eckert program to include a new medallion, an option that will acknowledge the service of the veterans. in private cemeteries around the world. veterans and their families will be able to choose either the new medallion or the traditional hit stone marker for veterans who died on or after november frist, 1990. or in a privately marked grave and private cemeteries. we anticipate that dalia will be available for veterans and their families early next year. we are also streamlining the process of the real eligibility determination and interment scheduling to better serve the needs of veterans, their families and funeral directors. the centralized national cemetery national scheduling office opened in st. louis in january of 20072 handle internet requests for all national cemeteries except those l

their loved one thing would get a benefit but if they choose cremation they may not receive the terri hail allowance unless the cremated remains are buried. mr. chairman, i would like to take this opportunity to express' nfda's strong support for h.r. 2642, tiberi of ohio that directs the secretary of veterans affairs to assist in the identification of on plant and abandoned him remains to determine if any of these remains are eligible for burial in the national cemetery. nfda members are acutely aware of the sad story of on plame remains many of whom are veterans throughout this nation. nfda members will be happy to work with the va to identify veterans remains that have gone unclaimed and ensure that these heroes receive the funeral and burial honors they deserve. mr. chairman, distinguished members of the committee, on behalf of the members of the national funeral directors association, i want to ensure you fugal directors threw up the country remain dedicated to do their part to honor the nation's veterans and their families and want to conclude my testimony by thanking you for the opp

their loved one thing would get a benefit but if they choose cremation they may not receive the terri hailllowance unless the cremated remains are buried. mr. chairman, i would like to take this opportunity to express' nfda's strong support for h.r. 2642, tiberi of ohio that directs the secretary of veterans affairs to assist in the identification of on plant and abandoned him remains to determine if any of these remains are eligible for burial in the national cemetery. nfda members are acutely aware of the sad story of on plame remains many of whom are veterans throughout this nation. nfda members will be happy to work with the va to identify veterans remains that have gone unclaimed and ensure that these heroes receive the funeral and burial honors they deserve. mr. chairman, distinguished members of the committee, on behalf of the members of the national funeral directors association, i want to ensure you fugal directors threw up the country remain dedicated to do their part to honor the nation's veterans and their families and want to conclude my testimony by thanking you for the oppor