Currently, there are 78 different emblems of belief available to be etched on a United States government-issued "headstone or marker." The only other graphics permitted in addition to the emblems of belief are "the Civil War Union Shield, the Civil War Confederate Southern Cross of Honor, and the Medal of Honor insignias." Examples of these are at the bottom of this post.
According to the National Cemetery Administration -
"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."
Here are three examples of emblems of belief that are not the common Christian Cross.
Presbyterian Cross - Said to emphasize the resurrection of Christ. |
Native American Church of North America - Characterized by mixed traditional Native American as well as Protestant beliefs. |
Examples of other permitted graphics in addition to emblems of belief on U.S. government-issued headstones or markers:
Top left - Civil War Union Shield (Recessed) Bottom left - Civil War Confederate Southern Cross of Honor Right - Medal of Honor Insignia |
Richard Blake Bridges Jr., John L. Knox, Dwain M. Peck, Madison Widner, and Lee H. Phillips markers at Marietta National Cemetery in Cobb County, Georgia. Elizebeth Puckett headstone at Harmony Baptist Church Cemetery in Blue Ridge, Fannin County, Georgia. Middleton Miles marker at Marietta Confederate Cemetery in Cobb County, Georgia.
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