What types of headstones does the VA provide?

Upright headstones in granite or marble, flat markers in granite, marble, or bronze, and bronze niche markers for columbaria. A bronze medallion for attachment to a privately purchased headstone is also available as an alternative to a marker.

What is included in a VA headstone inscription?

The veteran's name, branch of service, and dates of birth and death are standard and included at no cost. Rank, war service, awards, and a religious emblem may be added, also at no cost.

Can I choose which type of VA marker I get?

You choose, but the cemetery constrains the choice. Many cemeteries require flat markers only so grounds can be mown, and some sections accept only bronze. Confirm the cemetery's regulations in writing before selecting a type.

Does the VA offer bronze markers for cremated remains?

Yes. A bronze niche marker sized to the niche front is available for cremated remains inurned in a columbarium. Cremation does not reduce eligibility in any way.

Are VA religious emblems limited to a few faiths?

No. The VA maintains a long list of available emblems of belief covering many faiths and non-religious worldviews. If the emblem you want is not on the list, there is a process to request that a new one be added.

Cremation Memorials

Cremation memorials provide a permanent place to remember someone after cremation. They can range from dedicated memorial stones and benches to cemetery-approved plaques, monuments and other permanent forms of remembrance.

The right cremation memorial depends on where the ashes will be placed, the cemetery's rules, the type of memorial you want, and the amount of personalization required. Before ordering, confirm whether the cemetery allows cremation memorials and exactly what size, material and installation requirements apply.

What is a cremation memorial?

A cremation memorial is a permanent marker or monument created to honor someone who has been cremated. Depending on the cemetery and the family's wishes, it may be a granite marker, plaque, monument, bench or another approved memorial.

Some families choose a dedicated memorial for an urn or cremation burial, while others use a larger memorial to create a lasting place for names, dates, inscriptions, photographs or other personalized elements.

Common types of cremation memorials

Cremation memorials can take several forms. Flat markers and plaques are relatively compact, while upright monuments provide more visible space for inscriptions and personalization. Memorial benches can also combine a permanent place of remembrance with a place to sit.

Granite, bronze or another material?

Granite is widely used for permanent memorials because it is durable and available in many colors and finishes. Bronze is also used for plaques and cemetery markers. The available materials, colors and finishes depend on the cemetery and the memorial design.

What should be included in the price?

The memorial itself may be only one part of the total cost. Ask whether the quoted price includes lettering, artwork, delivery, foundation work, installation, cemetery fees and any required permits.

Before ordering, confirm the cemetery's requirements and make sure the complete price covers the work needed to install and maintain the memorial.

Before you order

Start with the cemetery. Its rules may determine the permitted dimensions, materials, colors, designs and installation method. Once those requirements are clear, you can compare memorial options and request an itemized quote.