As Memorial Day approaches (
Presidential Proclamation), at least some attention has been focused on the "emblems of belief" that are available to be placed on government-furnished headstones or markers for veterans. The Department of Veterans Affairs furnishes at government expense a headstone or marker for deceased veterans, or in some cases a medallion to be placed on a privately purchased headstone. (
National Cemetery Administration release.) (
38 CFR Sec. 38.630). Some 56 different emblems are currently approved. (
National Cemetery Administration listing.) If an emblem representing a deceased veteran's religious beliefs is not currently available, the next of kin may apply for an emblem to be added representing those beliefs. Earlier this month, at least some in the blogosphere reported on the May 2 addition of Thor's Hammer to the list of approved emblems (
The Wild Hunt blog), indicating that a campaign for adding it began after the 2007 addition of the Pentacle. (
The Wild Hunt blog.) It appears that 18 belief emblems have been added since 2007, including an emblem for the Unification Church also added in May. Here is the National Cemetery Administration's statement on criteria for approving a new emblem:
An emblem of belief for inscription on a Government headstone or marker is an emblem or symbol that represents the sincerely held belief of the decedent that constituted a religion or the functional equivalent of religion and was believed and/or accepted as true by that individual during his or her life. The belief represented by an emblem need not be associated with or endorsed by a group or organization.
Emblems of belief for inscription on Government headstones and markers do not include social, cultural, ethnic, civic, fraternal, trade, commercial, political, professional or military emblems. VA will not inscribe any emblem on a headstone or marker that would have an adverse impact on the dignity and solemnity of cemeteries honoring those who served the Nation. Emblems that would not be permitted include (but are not limited to), emblems that contain explicit or graphic depictions or descriptions of sexual organs or sexual activities that are shocking, titillating, or pandering in nature; and emblems that display coarse or abusive language or images.
[Thanks to God and Country blog for the lead.]
