To The Editor:
The American Legion for many years supplied, free of charge, military grave markers for all veterans. Sadly, most American Legion posts throughout the country have discontinued this practice because of the cost and for other reasons. Many families still desire to honor their deceased veteran with a grave marker and U.S. flag. An internet search of military grave marker will yield many stores where they may be purchased.
Grave markers traditionally were made of bronze or other metals. Bronze markers can still be purchased; however, they are expensive. Aluminum or heavy-duty plastic markers are nearly indiscernible from their bronze counterpart and are quite durable and affordable. Further, because of the value of bronze, many bronze markers disappear from cemeteries. If you have a bronze marker presently, it is suggested that you place the marker in a flowerpot and fill the pot with concrete. Then bury the flowerpot. While this will not guarantee that your bronze marker will not disappear, it does lessen the possibility. Some families take their loved one’s bronze marker home and replace it with aluminum or plastic. It is as the family desires. There is no specific protocol.
The practice of merely pushing the stick of the flag into the ground without a holder is discouraged. It makes it very difficult for the cemetery sexton to maintain the cemetery and often leads to inadvertent destruction of the flag. When placing the grave marker, place it at the head of the stone marker, centered and as close to the stone marker as possible. This practice will both will have a proper and respectful look to the grave and will allow for greater ease of cemetery maintenance. If in doubt, contact your local cemetery sexton or American Legion post.
Veterans Day, November 11, is a day commonly used to retire flags that are faded or torn. Whether it is a flag in the cemetery or at a home or business, these flags may be dropped off locally at The Tempest Book Shop, Village Grocery, or Kenyon's Hardware. These flags are then collected and given a proper retirement ceremony conducted by our local Boy Scout Troop 100, Cub Scout Pack 798 and American Legion Post 75. Questions may be emailed to
Fred Messer
Waitsfield, Vermont
