Probably as far off as I’ll get from a Nature related topic but certain events in life seem to have brought me here. Recently a family member was interred in Saratoga National Cemetery and the symbols on each headstone peaked my curiosity in what their meaning was. The Latin Cross and Star of David were simple to interpret but the others left me wondering. For lack of a better and faster source to find this information I decided to just do a simple post in case any one else in the world was just as curious. |
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Christian
(Latin Cross)
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Judaism
(Star of David)
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Buddhist
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Presbyterian Cross
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Russian Orthodox Cross
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Lutheran Cross
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Episcopal Cross
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Unitarian
(Flaming Chalice)
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United Methodist
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Aaronic Order Church
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Mormon
(Angel Moroni)
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Native American Church
Of North America
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Serbian Orthodox
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Greek Cross
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Bahai
(9 Pointed Star)
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Atheist
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Muslim
(Crescent and Star)
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Hindu
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Konko-Kyo Faith
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Community of Christ
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Sufism Reoriented
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Tenrikyo Church
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Seicho-no-ie
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The Church of World
Messianity
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United Church of Religious
Science
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Christian Reformed Church
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United Moravian Church 
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Eckankar
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Christian Church
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Christian & Missionary Alliance
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United Church of Christ 
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Humanist Emblem of Spirit
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Presbyterian Church (USA)
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Izumo Taishakyo Mission
Of Hawaii
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Soka Gakkai International
(USA)
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Sikh (Khanda)
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Wicca (Pentacle)
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Lutheran Church of Missouri
Synod
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New Apostolic
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Seventh Day Adventist Church
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Celtic Cross
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Armenian Cross
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Farohar
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Messianic Jewish
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Kohen Hands
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Catholic Celtic Cross
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First Church of Christ. Scientist
(Cross & Crown)
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Medicine Wheel
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Infinity
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Luther Rose
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Landing Eagle
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Four Directions 
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Church of Nazarene 
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Hammer of Thor
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Unification Church
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Sandhill Crane
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Church of God
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Pomegranate
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Messianic
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You will find that most symbols are of the deceased’s practiced religion. Several symbols however are representative of a personal statement. The Landing Eagle for example represents Freedom. The Sandhill Crane is a symbol of peace or as being one with land, water and sky. To Christians the Pomegranate represents life and eternal life.All symbols for military headstones must be approved by the Veterans Administration for use.The symbols used on this page were obtained from the VA website. |
Thanks for sharing all of these different symbols for the military. My grandfather is trying to figure out what he wants on his headstone, and I think it would be nice if he had something to symbolize his time in the military. I’ll be sure to send this to him, and see what he thinks.
I’m so glad you found that of interest. Please make sure to thank your Grandfather for me for his service!
Once your grandfather eventually does pass, assuming he has a DD-214 (record of discharge) that’s states he was honorably discharged, you can order a marker for free at your local veterans service office. Just make sure you have the next of kin with you, they will need to sign for it.
I was at the Idaho Va cemetery today (memorial day) saw a few of the landing eagles and had to look it up and interestingly, without walking the whole thing but quite a bit of it, those were all at the spreading hill.
My grandfather after serving in WWI and II, my uncle after dying in WWII, another coming back from WWII, another serving in Pearl Harbor, all of which are Catholic. they are buried in J/B, selecting inscriptions for their headstones, there are no Catholic crucifix, I found that so hard to believe. Yes, Christian, celtic cross (we’re not Irish).,but no catholic crucifix. For the future I pray this will change. Christian is great BUT Catholic’s we love our symbol of the crucifix.
If it’s that important to you, there is a procedure to get it authorized. Should be easy, once the Church decides on a symbol. Remember, it has to be carved in stone. Literally.
A crucifix is a cross displayed with Christ hanging on it. There is a cross which symbolizes the Catholic faith available.
Thank you for taking the time to share this information. My mother, a WWII Navy veteran, passed away at 93 in June, and my father, an Army veteran of WWII, died 3 years ago. My 7 siblings and I had their remains interred at a grave site in Washington State in July. We’re looking into what kinds of headstones the VA offers for veterans. I just got online to look up the meaning of the Landing Eagle symbol; I was pretty sure it represented Freedom, and you confirmed it. My parents were both veterans (Dad, Army; Mom, Navy) of World War II. My Mom was a Christian, and I’m sure she would look a Christian cross on her headstone; my dad was pretty much an atheist, although maybe more of an agnostic near the end. ; ) I’m hoping my 7 siblings will agree the Landing Eagle would be a fitting addition to their headstone.
BTW, your app looks quite interesting and useful. : )
Thanks for putting this together. My Dad was not a believer in much so I found your description of “Landing Eagle” to be a perfect choice.
What is the meaning of the new symbol of the flag and the German shepherd?
One that is not here is “shepherd and Flag.” It appears to be a German shepherd dog (head sillouette and behind him, an American Flag.)