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.
