Types of Headstones, Markers, and Medallions

Medallions

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The Department of Veterans Affairs offers two distinct types of medallions that can be requested to honor the deceased's status as a Veteran or a Medal of Honor recipient. These medallions are intended to be attached to privately purchased headstones or markers.

These medallions are provided as an alternative to a traditional Government-issued headstone or grave marker for Veterans who served on or after April 6 and whose graves are marked in private cemeteries.

Constructed for ease of use and durability, these medallions can be mounted on privately purchased headstones by virtually anyone.

Bronze Medallions: Various Sizes

Available in Small (2"W x 1-1/2"H x 1/3"D), Medium (3-3/4"W x 2-7/8"H x 1/4"D), and Large (6-3/8"W x 4-3/4"H x 1/2"D) sizes, each bronze medallion is etched with the word "VETERAN" at the top and the corresponding branch of service at the bottom.

Bronze Medallions

Medal of Honor Medallions: Medium or Large

The Medal of Honor medallion is available in Medium and Large sizes. Each medallion features the words "MEDAL OF HONOR" at the top and the branch of service at the bottom.

Medal of Honor Medallions

To request a medallion, you will need to complete the Claim for Government Medallion for Placement in a Private Cemetery (VA Form 40-M).

» Get VA Form 40-M to download

Important: This benefit is available only if the grave is marked with a privately purchased headstone or marker. Veterans can choose between a traditional Government-furnished headstone or marker and the medallion, but not both. In cases where one headstone marks the graves of two Veterans, such as spouses who both served in the U.S. Military, two medallions can be requested, pending approval from local cemetery officials.

Authorized applicants as defined in 38 CFR 38.600 (a)(1) can submit the form to request a medallion. For the MOH Medallion, check "OTHER" in block 11 and specify "MOH."

The Anatomy of Tombstones

The Anatomy of Tombstones

Tombstones are a central component of any cemetery, often accompanied by monuments, Mausoleums, and Columbariums. Originally, a tombstone was the cover on a stone coffin, while a gravestone covered a grave, and a headstone marked a grave. Today, these terms are generally used interchangeably to refer to markers placed at graves.

The primary inscriptions on headstones include the deceased's name, birth date, and death date. Additional elements may include symbolic artwork or text such as quotations or epitaphs. Many of these inscriptions are religious, offering comfort through Inspirational Bible Passages.

Due to cost, some headstones feature inscriptions for multiple people, usually family members. Thus, headstones often reflect the deceased’s wealth and social status.

Common materials for headstones include field stones, slate, limestone, granite, marble, bronze, and sandstone. Wood is occasionally used but typically only lasts up to 100 years. Softer materials are easier to carve but decay faster than durable options like marble or granite.

In Colorado, a range of these materials is used, although slate is less common. Examples can be found at Tombstone Materials.

In many U.S. cemeteries, headstones face east— a Judeo-Christian tradition. This is generally true in Colorado, although cemetery locations often depend on the terrain.

The material of a headstone can help date it or the cemetery if the inscriptions are missing or have worn away over time.

Most graves feature a single headstone; some also include a footstone—a smaller marker often inscribed with the deceased’s initials.

Headstones can be directly set into the ground, referred to as "tablet" stones in some regions. They can also be mounted on or into a base.

Grave markers come in various forms, with flat markers being particularly common in modern cemeteries due to ease of maintenance.

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Types of Tombstones

Standard Tablet Stone

The standard tablet stone is a simple rectangular marker that can be set directly into the ground, placed into a base, or mounted on a base.

Domed Tablet Stone

A variation of the standard tablet stone, the domed tablet features a rounded top instead of a flat one.

Shouldered Tablet Stone

This type of stone has an angled top, giving it a distinctive shoulder-like appearance.

Gothic Tablet Stone

Gothic tablet stones cover the most ornamental category, featuring elaborately designed tops.

Obelisks

Standard Obelisk

Obelisks, originating in Egypt, are four-sided, column-like markers that taper to a point. These monuments became popular in the U.S. during a revival of Egyptian art.

Vaulted Obelisk

Also four-sided but not tapered, vaulted obelisks end in an arch-like point and are a variation on the standard obelisk.

Other Marker Types

Flat Marker

Exactly as described, these markers are flush with the ground and are typically made of granite or metal plaques.

Ledger Stone

A ledger stone is a flat marker that usually covers the entire grave. Some special types resemble postcards.

Tree Trunk

Elaborately carved tree trunk markers often indicate that the deceased was a member of the Woodmen of the World, or symbolize a life cut short.

For more information, please visit tombstone supplier.

Find out about other Cemetery Monuments

Learn about Cemetery Symbols

Explore Unusual Tombstones and Monuments

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