Veterans put everything on the line and sometimes make the ultimate sacrifice when serving their country. Whether they’re a friend or family member, ensure the service member you know receives a proper memorial after they pass. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs has a variety of assistance programs for after-life care and can work with a local war memorial company to deliver a fitting tribute. Below, you’ll find standard options to choose from.

War Memorial Options for Veterans

1. Headstones

The upright monuments that can be seen at Arlington Cemetery are among the options Veterans Affairs offers at no charge. They are 42 inches tall, 13 inches wide, 4 inches thick, and 230 pounds in weight. You can choose from white marble or grey granite. Because they are upright most cemeteries only allow them to be installed in headstone rows so they normally can’t be used as a footstone. Most cemeteries only allow one headstone per grave space so if you choose this option you cannot also use another headstone. This is why most families don’t choose this option and instead choose to use a marker as a footstone.

2. Markers

Flat markers are a great option to use at the foot of a grave as a footstone. Most cemeteries require footstones to be level with the top of the ground so lawn mowers can go over top of them they don’t interfere with mowing. The two marker options are bronze or grey granite. 

The bronze plaque option measures 24 inches long, 12 inches wide, and have a 3/4-inch rise from the ground. They weigh 18 pounds.

The granite marker option is 4 inches thick and weighs 130 pounds. 

If your loved one has a cremation niche in a columbarium a smaller bronze niche marker is available for attaching to the vertical wall of the cremation niche. 

3. Medallions

Veterans Affairs can also provide a medallion to attach onto a monument. Bronze medallion options feature a folded American flag with the word “Veteran” and the appropriate branch of service. Medal of Honor (MOH) medallions are available for MOH recipients. Fill out a request form and submit it by fax or mail. A memorial manufacturer can then attach the medallion onto a privately purchased headstone or marker.

Headstones, markers, and medallions from Veterans Affairs can only ship to business addresses, so trust Hirons Memorial Works to receive your monument. They are honored to create, erect, and attach war memorials for veterans and will work closely with you to secure what your family deserves. Based in Mount Orab, OH, this family-owned and -operated company has served the community for over 80 years by providing top-quality products and services. They have a large inventory of tombstones, monuments, and memorials, and they can handle both etching and engraving. Call (888) 444-6356 to speak with a representative. Visit their website to learn more about their services and products.