When walking through a military cemetery, each headstone tells a story. Not just through names and dates, but through the symbols carved into the stone. These symbols serve as a final tribute to a life of service, belief, and identity.
Military headstone symbols are more than decoration—they’re sacred emblems chosen by service members or their families to reflect deeply held beliefs, honors, and cultural backgrounds. Understanding these symbols helps us pay proper respect and appreciate the meaning behind them.
Why Military Headstone Symbols Matter
Military headstones are uniform in size and layout, especially in national cemeteries. That consistency reflects the equality of service—regardless of rank. But there’s one area where personalization is deeply honored: the symbols.
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) offers more than 70 approved emblems of belief that can be etched on government-furnished headstones and markers. These range from widely recognized Christian and Jewish symbols to more modern or culturally specific emblems such as the Hammer of Thor or the Native American Church of North America.
These symbols:
Express the faith or philosophy of the deceased
Offer comfort and recognition to surviving families
Reflect cultural and spiritual diversity in the military
For families, choosing a symbol is often a meaningful part of the burial process.
Common Military Headstone Symbols and Their Meanings
Here’s a table with some of the more commonly used symbols and what they represent:
| Symbol | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Christian Cross | Faith in Christianity |
| Star of David | Judaism and heritage |
| Crescent and Star | Islamic faith |
| Buddhist Wheel of Righteousness | Eightfold path of Buddhism |
| Native American Church Feather | Indigenous spirituality |
| Atheist Atom | Scientific humanism, non-religious worldview |
| Hammer of Thor | Norse paganism, specifically Ásatrú followers |
| Wiccan Pentacle | Wiccan faith and the five elements |
A full and updated list is available on the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs website.
Each symbol must be officially approved by the VA, and families can also petition to add a new symbol if one isn’t currently available.
Real-World Example: A Story Behind the Symbol
Consider the story of Sergeant Eli Sanders, a Korean War veteran buried in a national cemetery in New Mexico. His family chose the Native American Church Feather for his headstone—a reflection of his heritage and spiritual beliefs. His granddaughter shared how important it was to honor his culture, as he’d been a spiritual leader in his community. For them, the symbol wasn’t just a formality—it was the most personal part of his memorial.
These moments reveal how symbols hold deep meaning, often tying together military service and personal identity in a lasting tribute.
How to Choose a Headstone Symbol
Families of deceased veterans are offered a list of approved emblems during the process of applying for a government-furnished headstone. The VA Form 40-1330 allows them to select a symbol or request one not currently on the list.
Tips for choosing a symbol:
Discuss early – Some veterans share their wishes in advance, but if not, family discussions can help.
Respect beliefs – Select something authentic to the person’s life and worldview.
Look beyond religion – Many emblems reflect philosophy, heritage, or spirituality rather than organized religion.
Ask for guidance – Funeral directors or VA representatives can help navigate options.
A Note on Symbols and Safety: Understanding Hydrant Codes
While it may seem unrelated, clarity in symbols and colors extends beyond cemeteries—especially in public safety. The nfpa hydrant color code is a good example.
The NFPA (National Fire Protection Association) sets a standardized hydrant color code used across the U.S. to indicate water flow capacity. Here's a quick breakdown:
| Hydrant Color (Top/Cap) | Gallons Per Minute (GPM) | Usefulness |
|---|---|---|
| Light Blue | 1500 GPM or more | Excellent water supply |
| Green | 1000–1499 GPM | Good supply for residential areas |
| Orange | 500–999 GPM | Marginal, often rural |
| Red | Less than 500 GPM | Not reliable for firefighting |
Why mention this here? Because standardized visual cues—whether on a headstone or a hydrant—help communities act respectfully, safely, and effectively. In both cases, color and symbols communicate critical information.
Learn more about nfpa hydrant color code and its importance here.
Honoring Identity and Service
Military headstone symbols remind us that service members are not just soldiers—they’re individuals with beliefs, backgrounds, and stories. Whether it’s a cross, a feather, or a pentacle, these emblems help paint a fuller picture of a life lived.
They also remind us that honoring someone goes beyond what’s visible. It’s about recognizing the whole person—their courage, their faith, their family, and their culture.
Final Thoughts
Symbols on military headstones are small in size, but massive in meaning. For families, they serve as a lasting expression of love and identity. For communities, they’re a quiet yet powerful way of remembering those who served.
Whether you're helping a loved one navigate this process or simply curious about the meaning behind what you see at a military cemetery, understanding these symbols can be a way to connect, honor, and reflect.
For more information on military burial benefits and headstone applications, visit the official U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs memorial page.
