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Are you aware that there are 78 different approved emblems of belief permitted at Arlington National Cemetery? When it comes to honoring the final resting place of our nation’s heroes, it’s important to understand the guidelines and options available for inscriptions on Government-furnished headstones or markers.
The emblems of belief permitted at Arlington National Cemetery are a way to honor the sincerely held beliefs of the deceased, representing their religious affiliation or sincerely held belief system. These emblems are a crucial part of ensuring that the final resting places of our veterans reflect their individual beliefs and identities.
It’s important to note that no graphics, logos, or symbols are permitted on Government-furnished headstones or markers other than the available emblems of belief, the Civil War Union Shield, the Civil War Confederate Southern Cross of Honor, and the Medal of Honor insignias.
An emblem of belief for inscription on a Government headstone or marker is an emblem or symbol that represents the sincerely held belief of the decedent that constituted a religion or the functional equivalent of religion and was believed and/or accepted as true by that individual during his or her life. The belief represented by an emblem need not be associated with or endorsed by a group or organization.
Emblems of belief for inscription on Government headstones and markers do not include social, cultural, ethnic, civic, fraternal, trade, commercial, political, professional, or military emblems. The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) will not inscribe any emblem on a headstone or marker that would have an adverse impact on the dignity and solemnity of cemeteries honoring those who served the Nation. Emblems that would not be permitted include those containing explicit or graphic depictions or descriptions of sexual organs or sexual activities that are shocking, titillating, or pandering in nature, as well as those displaying coarse or abusive language or images.
If you are applying for a headstone or marker and the emblem you desire is not currently available, there are specific guidelines for requesting a new emblem of belief. According to CFR 38.632 rule, the following individuals may request a new emblem of belief for inscription on a headstone or marker: the decedent’s next-of-kin (NOK), a person authorized in writing by the NOK, or a personal representative authorized in writing by the decedent.
To submit a request for an emblem of belief not available for inscription, the requestor must establish that there is an immediate need for a Government headstone/marker to be furnished for a deceased eligible individual, certify that the proposed new emblem of belief represents the decedent’s religious affiliation or sincerely held religious belief system, or a sincerely held belief system that was functionally equivalent to a religious belief system in the life of the decedent, and submit a three-inch diameter digitized black and white representation of the requested emblem that is free of copyright or trademark restrictions or authorized by the owner for inscription on Government-furnished headstones and markers and can be reproduced in a production-line environment in stone or bronze without loss of graphic quality.
All information should be submitted to the following address:
Memorial Products Service (41B)
Department of Veterans Affairs
5109 Russell Road
Quantico, VA 22134-3903
Understanding the guidelines and options for emblems of belief at Arlington National Cemetery is essential for ensuring that the final resting places of our veterans reflect their individual beliefs and identities. It’s a way to honor their legacy and provide a meaningful tribute that aligns with their sincerely held beliefs.
