Hello. I’m being told they will only put a cross (or other religion) on the first side of their headstones - whether it’s the service member or spouse buried first. (for those not familiar, they bury spouses in a “two story” plot; they put the names on opposite sides of the headstone.)

Has any one else experienced this? The second side looks a bit blank.

Thanks, JW

If this is a Federal VA cemetery, what you are being told is PROBABLY correct. It has to do with uniformity and order, which are two important things for these cemeteries. It is easily checked with a call. There is a headquarters I believe in Saint Louis that runs all the facilities. Hope this helps.

My daughter works for the National Cemetery Admin here in STL. I'll give her a poke...

From daughter: "Correct unless they are two different religions. Saves money and time. Killeen is a state cemetery, but it’s likely that they receive federal grant money so they follow our rules. Most private stones only have one religious emblem center at the top of the marker not over both names. Same theory."

Thank y’all very much. They do have very strict guidelines including number of characters.

Thanks,
JW

The depth of knowledge and the connections this group has is absolutely incredible. Para, thanks!