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Recognizing the honorable service provided by military veterans is a loving priority for their family members. The United States Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) will provide a complimentary headstone to a deceased veteran buried in an unmarked grave in any cemetery. Here are the types of grave markers that are used to honor military veterans.

4 Military Veteran Headstone Choices

1. Bronze Niche

Families can choose to add their preferred inscriptions, which will typically include the deceased’s years of military service and what war they served in, if applicable. This bronze headstone is approximately 8 ½ inches long, 5 ½ inches wide, and 7/16 of an inch thick. For additional customization, monument companies will typically provide a variety of fonts and embellishments.

2. Flat Bronze, Granite, or Marble 

Some loved ones opt for a flat grave marker as opposed to an upright version. The VA provides several choices, including the 18-pound bronze headstone that’s 24 inches long, 12 inches wide, and ¾ of an inch thick.

grave markerThe headstone is also available in flat granite and marble. Each has the same dimensions as the flat bronze but is four inches thick and weighs 130 pounds. All choices have ample room to include details such as scriptural verses, military insignia, and embedded pictures.

3. Medallion

If a loved one already has an existing, privately purchased grave marker, family members may not want to design a new one. Instead, they can request a medallion from the VA that can be affixed to an existing grave marker. The medallion, which includes the word “Veteran” and the branch of service, adds another honorable reminder of the sacrifice they made for their country.

4. Upright

The upright grave marker’s sheer size — 42 inches long, 13 inches wide, and 230 pounds — offers families additional space to include longer inscriptions. Available in marble and granite, the headstone can list the deceased’s military branch and years of service. Families can choose to include a military creed, rank, and the names of the deceased’s close relatives who also served.

 

Since 1880, Gibney Monument Works in Perry, NY, has helped families honor the legacy of their loved ones who served in the military. The team of artisans and staff have expert knowledge of securing and installing headstones befitting of their service and sacrifice. They will guide you through the process of requesting a complimentary grave marker from the Department of Veteran Affairs. To learn more, call (585) 237-2750 to speak to an experienced staff member. Visit the website for more information about their services.

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