Honoring Veterans: Designing Military Headstones and Memorials

For families of veterans, creating a memorial is about more than preserving a name — it’s about honoring courage, sacrifice, and service to our nation. A well-crafted military headstone stands as a symbol of gratitude and remembrance, telling the story of a hero who gave their all.

At Gillespie Marble & Granite, we take great pride in helping families design dignified monuments that properly reflect a veteran’s service and personal legacy.

Understanding Military Headstones

Military headstones follow certain design standards set by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Eligible veterans can receive a government-furnished marker, or families may choose to commission a private memorial with additional personalization.

Common government-issued options include:

- Flat bronze, granite, or marble markers

- Upright white marble headstones

- Niches for columbarium placement

While these are standardized, private memorials can be customized to include additional features, inscriptions, and artistic details that reflect the veteran’s unique story.

Eligibility for Military Markers

The VA provides markers or headstones for:

- Veterans who served honorably in the U.S. Armed Forces

- Members who died while on active duty

- Eligible spouses or dependents (in specific cemeteries)

Families can apply through the VA Form 40-1330, but many prefer to work with a memorial company like Gillespie Marble to handle both the paperwork and the monument design process.

Personalizing a Veteran’s Memorial

While the VA allows for specific inscriptions and emblems of belief, families often choose to expand on this design through a companion or custom monument. Personalization options may include:

- Branch of service insignia (Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard)

- Rank, years of service, and conflict served

- Patriotic imagery such as flags, eagles, or stars

- Favorite scriptures, mottos, or meaningful quotes

Some families even include laser-etched portraits, unit symbols, or the veteran’s signature for a truly one-of-a-kind memorial.

Material and Design Options

Granite remains the most durable and popular choice for military headstones. It stands strong through time, symbolizing the strength and honor of those who served. Black or gray granite provides an elegant background for etched details and emblems.

For those seeking a traditional look, white marble evokes the timeless dignity seen in national cemeteries. Gillespie Marble’s experienced craftsmen ensure each piece is carved and finished to the highest standard of quality and respect.

Honoring a Life of Service

Military memorials often include elements that connect personal life with service history. Examples include:

- Dual monuments for a veteran and spouse

- Bronze medallions recognizing specific wars or honors

- Landscaping accents such as flag holders or flower vases in patriotic colors

Even subtle additions — like a bronze star or engraved quote — can carry deep meaning for generations who visit the gravesite.

Working with Gillespie Marble & Granite

Designing a veteran’s memorial requires precision, compassion, and respect for every detail. Our team at Gillespie Marble & Granite assists families in navigating VA guidelines, selecting materials, and creating designs that celebrate both service and individuality.

We consider it an honor to serve those who served our country, and we’re proud to help families create memorials that stand as lasting symbols of gratitude and pride.

Final Thoughts

A veteran’s headstone is more than a memorial — it’s a promise that their sacrifice will never be forgotten. Whether you choose a government-issued marker or a custom monument, Gillespie Marble & Granite will guide you with care and craftsmanship every step of the way.

Contact us today to learn more about creating a military headstone or memorial for your loved one.