Government Grave Markers
Approximately 78% of American veterans are laid to rest in local community and municipal cemeteries. Meanwhile, nearly $500 million in federal funds (your tax dollars) go toward the care of the 22% of veterans buried in National, State, or Tribal cemeteries.
Many families of veterans either don't apply for government-issued grave markers or are unaware of the available options. As a result, they often choose expensive, custom monuments from funeral homes, unaware that veterans can often receive both a government marker and a personal monument.
The Warriors Remembrance Foundation believes that reform is needed to ensure American taxpayer dollars are distributed more fairly. We advocate for a system that ensures the perpetual care of government-issued grave markers, regardless of where veterans are buried.
Below, you'll find key facts about government grave markers and medallions, as well as the services we provide for veterans resting outside the National, State, and Tribal cemetery system.
TYPES OF MARKERS
Bronze Medallions: Small, Medium, or Large
The bronze medallion is available in three sizes: 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), or Large (6-3/8"W x 4-3/4"H x 1/2"D). Each medallion is inscribed with the word "VETERAN" across the top and the branch of service at the bottom.
Flat Grave Marker: 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.
Upright Headstones: Granite or Marble
The upright granite and upright marble headstones are 42 inches long, 13 inches wide and 4 inches thick. Weight is approximately 230 pounds. Variations may occur in stone color; the marble may contain light to moderate veining. Lithichrome (a darkened shading) is used for the inscription on headstones at private cemeteries.
Niche Marker: Bronze
The 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.
Flat Grave Markers: Granite or Marble
The flat granite and flat marble grave markers are 24 inches long, 12 inches wide, and 4 inches thick. Weight is approximately 130 pounds. Variations may occur in stone color; the marble may contain light to moderate veining.
Commemorative Plaques & Urns
COMMEMORATIVE URN: The Walnut urn is 7.125” high, 7.25” wide and 9.25” in length with an interior capacity of approximately 280 cubic inches. There is a 5-inch etched emblem of a folded flag with the words Veteran and their branch of service on front of the urn. A black plate is affixed to the top of the urn with brass inscription of the Veteran’s name, date of birth and date of death. Only one branch of service may be selected.
COMMEMORATIVE PLAQUE: The walnut plaque is 10 inches long, 8 inches wide and 3/4 of an inch thick. There is a 5-inch etched emblem of a folded flag with the words Veteran and their branch of service. Below the emblem is a black plate with brass inscription with the Veteran’s name, date of birth and date of death. There is a notched keyhole to allow the plaque to hang on a wall. Only one branch of service may be selected.
NOTE: If a family chooses a plaque or an urn to commemorate a Veteran, VA is prohibited by law from interring that Veteran’s remains in a VA national cemetery or from providing a headstone, marker or medallion for placement in any cemetery. Families should be certain of their choice. If the family chooses to receive a plaque or an urn to commemorate their Veteran, their decision cannot be undone. The law does not provide a method to restore these benefits.
Veteran Grave Site & Perpetual Care
National cemeteries across the country are carefully maintained, with taxpayer dollars ensuring veterans are honored and their sacrifices are remembered for generations. State and tribal cemeteries receive similar funding to maintain these sacred sites. But what about the many veterans buried in community cemeteries? While over 75% of veterans rest outside of national, state, or tribal cemeteries, these community sites often receive little to no funding for upkeep. Taxpayer dollars may cover burial costs and provide government-issued grave markers, but there is no funding for long-term maintenance.
As a result, many veteran grave markers in community cemeteries are deteriorating or even becoming lost beneath the earth. Many of these cemeteries are family- or locally owned, and over the years, as ownership passes down or the community changes, they can fall into neglect and disrepair. These cemeteries are the final resting places of veterans—some decorated with medals of honor, some killed in action—but all of them heroes who deserve better. It is critical that we find a way to ensure their graves are properly cared for, so their service and sacrifices are never forgotten.
Our Perpetual Care Services
Veterans enrolled and cared for by the Warriors Remembrance Foundation receive a minimum of two cleanings per year, with the initial cleaning often taking several days depending on the condition of the grave marker. Along with regular cleanings, each grave site is honored with a 6-inch solid bronze service branch medallion flag holder, which proudly displays a premium 12x18 American-made U.S. flag. These flags are flown year-round and are always maintained in a serviceable condition—never ripped or faded. To ensure this standard is met, flags are replaced quarterly at all cemetery sites under our care.
To preserve the integrity and appearance of the grave markers, medallions, and flag holders, we apply a microcrystalline wax twice annually during the cleaning process. This treatment helps maintain the pristine look of the bronze, whether on the grave marker itself, the medallion, or the flag holder.
For rural cemeteries no longer receiving maintenance, we collaborate with the Texas Historical Commission and local county historical societies to develop a sustainable plan. This plan often includes transitioning these cemeteries under the management of an existing nonprofit or county agency. In some cases, these sites are absorbed into the Warriors Remembrance Foundation’s 501(c)(3) nonprofit status, which aids in fundraising efforts and provides community donors and advocates with an opportunity to contribute to the cemeteries' ongoing upkeep. Without this process, these forgotten cemeteries risk fading into obscurity, eventually leaving no visible trace of their existence or the veterans they once honored.
