Military Headstones and Markers

Military headstones and markers are available from the Department of Veterans Affairs (or the VA), at no charge to the family or applicant, for the grave of any deceased eligible Veteran in any cemetery around the world, regardless of their date of death. – Learn more about the history of how the modern military markers came to be.

Types of Markers:

Bronze
The flat bronze grave marker is 24 inches long, 12 inches wide, with 3/4 inch rise. Weight is approximately 18 pounds. Anchor bolts, nuts and washers for fastening to a base are furnished with the marker. The government does not furnish a base. This type of marker must be installed either in cement or attached to a granite stone.
military headstones
Patten’s Michigan Monument Company has the expertise to design, order, and mount bronze plates.

military headstones marker

Flat Granite or Flat Marble
This is the type of marker we most commonly associate with veterans. The iconic white marker usually designed with religious symbol, name, rank, branch, tours served, and dates. These ivory pillars pay an honorable tribute to a life lived in service to our country. The flat granite and flat marble grave marker is 24 inches long, 12 inches wide, and 4 inches thick. Lettering is sandblasted done in a black lithochrome for ease of reading.  Weight is approximately 130 pounds.

Bronze Niche
This niche marker is 8 1/2 inches long, 5 1/2 inches wide, with 7/16 inch rise. Weight is approximately 3 pounds; mounting bolts and washers are furnished with the marker.  It can be affixed to an existing, privately purchased headstone or marker to signify the deceased’s status as a Veteran.
military headstones
The Department of Veterans Affairs provides a medallion, by request, to be affixed to an existing, privately purchased headstone or marker to signify the deceased’s status as a Veteran.  This device is furnished in lieu of a traditional Government headstone or grave marker for those Veterans whose grave in a private cemetery is marked with a privately purchased headstone or marker.

Medallions
The medallion is available in three sizes:
Large (6-3/8”W x 4-3/4”H x 1/2”D)
Medium (3-3/4”W x 2-7/8”H x 1/4″D)
Small (2”W x 1-1/2”H x 1/3”D)
Each medallion is inscribed with the word “VETERAN” across the top and the branch of service at the bottom.

Setting Government Headstones and Markers

Arrangements for setting a Government-furnished headstone or marker in a private cemetery is the family or applicant’s responsibility and all placement costs are at private expense. For more information on ordering and having a Veteran’s (military) headstone or marker installed, contact Patten’s Michigan Monument Co.

Resources and citations:
U.S. Dept. of Veteran Affairs.

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