Custom Memorials for Veterans in Utah: What You Need to Know
Custom Memorials for Veterans in Utah: What You Need to Know
Losing someone who served in the military deserves a memorial that honors their sacrifice and legacy. For many veterans and their families in Utah, creating a custom memorial—rather than a standard monument—can be a meaningful way to reflect the individual’s life, service, and personality. This article explains what’s required, what’s allowed, and how to plan a custom memorial for veterans in Utah.
What the VA Provides: Standard Memorial Benefits
First, it’s important to understand what the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) already offers, as this forms the baseline.
The VA provides government-issued headstones, markers, medallions, plaques, and urns for eligible veterans, and often at no cost to the family. (Veterans Affairs)
To request a government-furnished headstone or marker, you use VA Form 40‑1330, “Claim for Standard Government Headstone or Marker.” (Veterans Affairs)
The memorial must include certain required information, including the veteran’s legal name, service branch, and dates. Adding the emblem of belief is optional but must be from an approved list. (Veterans Affairs)
So before committing to custom features, many families start with what the VA offers and decide which additional personalization they want beyond that.
Legal Requirements & Utah Laws Relevant to Veteran Memorials
In Utah, there are specific state laws and local guidelines that impact how custom memorials for veterans can be designed and placed.
Utah Code 71A‑7, “Veterans Memorials and Cemeteries,” gives cities and counties authority to erect memorials and monuments for veterans, including grave adornments. (Utah Legislature)
The Utah Veterans Cemetery & Memorial Park (in Bluffdale) and other state-operated veterans’ cemeteries follow both VA rules and Utah state regulations for inscriptions, design, and approvals. (Utah Department of Veterans Affairs)
If adding custom designs (such as unique emblems, extra inscriptions, or non‑standard styles), you’ll need to check both the VA’s guidelines (for government‑furnished items) and the cemetery’s rules (whether national, state, or private). (Veterans Affairs)
Customizing a Veteran Memorial: What’s Allowed & What’s Not
Here are some of the ways families in Utah can customize veteran memorials, along with some restrictions to be aware of.
✅ Common Customization Options
Choosing between headstones or flat markers, and different materials like granite, marble, or bronze when permitted. (Veterans Affairs)
Including additional inscriptions beyond name and dates—such as rank, awards, military service branch, unit info, or personal messages. The VA allows these on “government‑furnished” markers/headstones via Form 40‑1330. (Veterans Affairs)
Emblems of belief: religious symbols from the VA’s approved catalog. If your faith is represented in the VA’s approved list (there are many of them), you can add that symbol. (Wikipedia)
Adding a photo plaque or ceramic/porcelain image in custom memorials—especially if ordering a private memorial rather than one strictly supplied by the government. Many monument companies do this.
🚫 Restrictions or Limitations
If you use a government‑provided headstone via the VA, there are limits on how much extra customization is allowed. VA‑supplied monuments have to adhere to certain inscription formats, approved emblems, material standards, etc. (Veterans Affairs)
The cemetery must allow the design. Private cemeteries often have rules about size, style, base, visibility, and safety, which may limit some custom features.
Any custom work beyond what the VA provides (for example, large sculptures, extra artwork, portraits) usually comes with private expense and may require additional approval.
Steps to Create a Custom Memorial for a Veteran in Utah
To bring a custom memorial idea to life, here’s a practical step-by-step approach:
Collect Veteran Documents
Gather DD‑214, rank information, awards, service branch, discharge status, and any eligibility paperwork. These are needed when applying for VA benefits.Apply for the VA Headstone or Marker
If eligible, submit VA Form 40‑1330. This starts the process even while you plan the custom elements. (Veterans Affairs)Explore Custom Options with Local Monument Companies
Reach out to monument providers in Central Utah (Richfield, Bluffdale, etc.) and discuss what custom features you want—photos, emblems, artwork, material, etc.Check Cemetery Rules
Whether national, state, or private, get the rules in writing. Confirm permitted size, material, base design, emblems, and if extra artwork or photos are allowed.Design & Approve
Create proofs of the memorial design. Confirm spelling, layout, colors, materials, and that the design meets both VA and cemetery guidelines.Order & Install
Once approved, the custom memorial is ordered. For VA‑furnished markers, the VA may supply the stone; for other custom work, you’ll pay privately. Installation can be handled by the cemetery or a monument company, depending on cemetery policy.Maintain & Preserve
After installation, periodic cleaning and maintenance ensure the memorial remains in good condition. Use proper cleaning products as advised by the monument company.
Cost Considerations
Custom memorials tend to cost more than standard government‑furnished ones, because of added design, materials, labor, and sometimes shipping or installation costs.
Typical cost‑factors to plan for:
Material upgrades (e.g. high‑quality granite vs standard)
Custom etchings or photo plaques
Additional inscriptions, symbols, or embellishments
Labor for custom artworks or sculpting
Expenses for permits or cemetery approvals
Installation, particularly if site foundation or mounting is more complex
Many families budget more than the VA benefit alone, depending on how elaborate their memorial design is.
Why Custom Memorials Matter
They let the personality and service of the veteran shine—in ways beyond name and dates.
For family members, a custom design can bring comfort, pride, and a sense that the memorial is worthy of service.
It helps preserve heritage—units, awards, stories that might otherwise be lost.
Final Thoughts
If you’re in Utah and considering a custom memorial for a veteran, know this: the benefits provided by the VA are a strong foundation, but you have room to make something deeply personal. With the right documents, proper approvals, and a trusted monument company, you can honor your loved one with a memorial that tells their full story.
At Richfield Monuments, for example, we work closely with veterans’ families to integrate custom elements—photo etchings, artistic emblems, quality stone—that comply with VA and cemetery standards. Reach out to explore your custom memorial options—it’s a powerful way to honor those who served.
