Policy for New Markers Inside the Confederate Section

Permission: Requests for new gravemarkers must be made in writing to the Southern Memorial Association: c/o Old City Cemetery 401 Taylor Street Lynchburg, VA  24501 The location of a new marker must be confirmed with Cemetery staff before installation.
Marker Specifications: Style A new marker must be installed flat on the ground ("ground flush"). It must consist of a bronze plaque mounted on a gray granite base. Plaque The size of the bronze plaque must be either 8 inches by 8 inches, or 8.5 inches by 5.5 inches. The border should be a single line, and the lugs should be concealed (as shown in the pictures below). Base The granite base must be 4 inches thick (deep) and 1 inch wider than the bronze plaque on all sides. Foundation The new marker must have a 6-inch-deep foundation of concrete or gravel. The foundation shall not be visible. Position A new marker shall be installed at the base of the existing headstone, 6 inches in front of the stone. Inscription The new marker's inscription must be approved by the SMA in writing. *Please note that the inscription on a government-issued marker is limited in content and follows a very specific format that cannot be altered.
Your Options... Order a bronze "niche marker," free of charge, from the Department of Veterans Affairs: http://www.cem.va.gov/CEM/hm_hm.asp -AND- Order a 10.5" x 7.5" x 4" granite base, at your expense, from a monument company either in Lynchburg or in your hometown. Order an 8" x 8" bronze marker and 10" x 10" x 4" granite base from a monument company in Lynchburg. Installation is usually included in your estimate. Order an 8" x 8" bronze marker and 10" x 10" x 4" granite base from a monument company in your hometown and have it shipped to the Cemetery for installation. The SMA/Cemetery charges $50 to install a new marker in the Confederate Section. Not sure whether to order the free VA marker or have your own marker custom-made by a private company? The difference is in the size of the plaque and its inscription. VA niche markers are about 25% smaller, and their inscriptions follow a very specific format that cannot be altered. For example, a soldier's place of birth or residence cannot be included on a government-issued marker.
Sample Markers: Option 1 The Department of Veterans Affairs "Bronze Niche Marker" Options 2 and 3 The Eight-Inch-Square Bronze Gravemarker
Local Monument Companies Familiar with Our Policies: The SMA has worked with these two companies before, and both are reputable and professional. They can provide bronze plaques, granite bases, and installation of the finished product.
Baer & Sons Memorials, Inc. 3008 Wards Road Lynchburg, VA  24502 (434) 239-0551 Toll free: (800) 321-0043 Fax: (434) 239-6251	Heritage Funeral Service & Crematory, Inc. 427 Graves Mill Road Lynchburg, VA  24502 (434) 239-2405 Toll free: (866) 341-2405 Fax: (434) 239-0784 www.heritagefuneralandcremation.com
The Southern Memorial Association will gladly arrange for your marker to be made and installed by a local monument company. There is a $50 fee for this service. If the monument company does not install the marker, add $50 for installation by SMA. For more information please contact: Southern Memorial Association c/o Old City Cemetery 401 Taylor Street Lynchburg, VA  24501 Telephone: (434) 847-1465 Fax: (434) 856-2004 E-mail: occ@gravegarden.org
Thank you for your interest! The Southern Memorial Association is anxious to work with you to preserve the history of the Old City Cemetery and the community it represents.

© 2004-2006 by Southern Memorial Association
Last updated
25 July 2006



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