When a military veteran passes away, the VA will provide a monument for their gravesite at no charge. Even if your loved one is interred in a private cemetery, you have a variety of options to choose from. Here is an overview of the memorial options for military veterans.

What Are the Different Memorial Options for Military Veterans?

1. Upright Headstones

Traditional upright headstones for veterans are made from either marble or granite. These blocks are 42 inches long, 13 inches wide and 4 inches thick, giving them a uniform, easily recognizable shape. Each of these markers weigh approximately 230 pounds.

2. Flat Markers

For families who prefer the look of flat bronze monuments, the VA provides options made of bronze, marble or granite. Each of these plates is 24 inches long and 12 inches wide, but the stone memorials tend to be heavier.

The memorials come with all the bolts and hardware needed for installation, but you should know that you’ll need to provide your own base.

3. Bronze Niche

If the cemetery you’ve chosen has a columbarium, you may opt for a bronze niche memorial. The memorials offered by the VA are made of bronze and measure 8 1/2 inches long by 5 1/2 inches wide, with a 7/16 inch rise. Bronze niche markers weigh around 3 pounds and come with mounting bolts and washers.

4. Medallions

If you’d like a different memorial to commemorate your lost loved one, you may request a special medallion from the VA. These medallions designate your family member as a veteran and the list branch in which they served.

The medallions are available in three different sizes, and come with all the hardware you need to attach it to the monument. The VA also provides instructions for attaching the medallion yourself.

For over 120 years, McGee Monuments has been providing beautiful, custom-crafted grave markers to families throughout the Rochester area. They have over 100 different designs to choose from, and make each monument out of the finest granite available. Visit their website for more on their monuments, or call (585) 546-4602 to explore your options today.