Important Notice - New Law Concerning Eligibility for Headstones and Markers

There are specific styles of upright marble headstones to mark the graves of Civil War Union soldiers and Spanish-American War dead. These historical styles were reintroduced recently and are inscribed in raised lettering inside a sunken shield. There are two different sizes of these historical upright marble headstones. Style “XA” is 12” wide, 3” thick, and 42” high. Style “XB” is 13” wide, 3” thick and 42” high. To request a historical upright marble headstone, check the Upright Marble in block 11 and write “XA” or “XB” above it.

The inscription on the special historical headstone is limited. For Civil War Union and Spanish American War, a shield is inscribed which encompasses the arched name and abbreviated military organization. Because of the special design and historical uniform significance, no emblem of belief or additional inscription may be inscribed. The dates of birth and death are inscribed below the shield.

A special style is also available to mark the graves of Confederate war dead. These special styles are available in upright marble or granite. To request this special style select the appropriate box in block 11 for upright marble (U) or upright granite (V) and write the words “special style - confederate” in block 11.

The inscription on the special style for Civil War Confederate is also limited. The Southern Cross of Honor is automatically inscribed at the top. The name is arched, followed by abbreviated military organization and dates of birth and death. No additional items can be inscribed. If a flat marker is desired for a Confederate soldier, the Southern Cross of Honor can be inscribed if requested, or any of the other approved emblems may be inscribed if requested.

Traditional styles of headstones and markers can also be requested for periods of war other than the Civil War or Spanish American War, or when the historical style or special style are either not desired, or not acceptable for placement in certain private cemeteries. Traditional styles include upright marble or granite headstones and flat bronze, granite, or marble markers.

Proof of military service prior to World War I requires detailed documentation, such as muster rolls, extracts from State files, pension documents or land warrants, to be considered for a Government-furnished headstone or marker.

Memorial headstones and markers are not usually furnished for those that served prior to World War I. The mere fact that the whereabouts of the grave is not known is not reason enough for issuing a government headstone or marker. The circumstances surrounding the soldiers’ death should be such that it is assumed the remains were unrecoverable or unidentifiable due to burning, drowning or burial in a mass grave. If there is documentation the soldier was buried in a mass grave, but the actual location of the body is unknown, VA will furnish a memorial headstone or marker for placement in a national, state veteran or private cemetery.