A Legacy of Service Deserves a Legacy of Care
For families of military veterans, visiting a grave is a deeply patriotic and emotional experience. We feel a profound sense of pride in the service and sacrifice represented by that marker. However, seeing a veteran's government-provided marble or bronze headstone covered in mud, green mold, or dark lichen feels like a disservice to their memory. Here is how you can properly honor and maintain a veteran's final resting place.
1. U.S. Flag Etiquette at the Grave Site
Placing an American flag is the traditional way to honor a veteran on Memorial Day, Veterans Day, and Independence Day. However, it's important to follow proper military flag customs:
- Use a small, high-quality flag (typically 8"x12" or 12"x18") mounted on a sturdy wooden dowel.
- Place the flag directly in front of the headstone, centered, or slightly to the right of the marker (the flag's own right, which is the viewer's left).
- Ensure the flag never touches the ground or surrounding weeds.
- Remove the flag after the holiday or when it becomes weathered, faded, or torn. A tattered flag does not honor a veteran; it should be retired respectfully.
2. Meeting the 'Arlington Standard' for Cleaning
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs provides beautiful marble, granite, and bronze markers to eligible veterans. Because marble and bronze are highly sensitive to weather and biological damage, the National Cemetery Administration mandates specific cleaning methods. They strictly use **D/2 Biological Solution** for all headstones, including those at Arlington National Cemetery. To truly honor a veteran, their stone should be cleaned to this exact preservation standard—avoiding harsh chemicals or high-pressure washers that can erode the soft white marble.
3. Seasonal floral and Wreath Tributes
Placing fresh or high-quality silk flowers, or a holiday evergreen wreath, adds warmth and beauty to the grave. Make sure to choose weather-resistant flowers and use heavy wire holders that won't blow away in high winds. Many cemeteries have strict seasonal cleanup dates, so be sure to check when decorations are cleared to ensure your tributes are preserved or removed responsibly.
Our Commitment to Veterans
At Sacred Ground Care, we hold our nation's veterans in the highest regard. We offer a permanent **10% discount** on all cleaning services and care plans for veteran graves. We clean every veteran's marker to the exact Arlington National Cemetery standard, ensuring their memorial reflects the honor, dignity, and respect they earned through their service.
Need Help Caring For a Resting Place?
If your loved one rests in Northern Indiana and you cannot be there to care for their stone, let us guide you. Sacred Ground Care specializes in safe, chemical-free-feeling biological restoration and ongoing seasonal maintenance. We deliver same-day high-resolution photos so you can see the beauty restored from wherever you are.