Keeping a headstone clean honors a loved one’s legacy and helps preserve its beauty and readability for generations. At Memorial Minders, we believe that every gravesite deserves respect, and we use the same professional techniques on all headstones, with particular care taken to honor our military veterans. According to the National Cemetery Administration, more than 15 million headstones and markers for veterans have been given out nationwide since 1973. The latest data shows in 2022, close to 350,000 were produced and about 140,000 of those went to burials in private cemeteries.
As previously mentioned in a past blog post about the inclusions and exclusions of Perpetual Care, the maintenance of individual burial plots is not covered under the perpetual care services provided by cemeteries or non-military government entities. Regrettably, it is a common occurrence for the graves of veterans to be neglected as time passes, due to families relocating, the passing of spouses, and aging veteran support groups being less able to volunteer for the physical labor required to upkeep these sites.
As part of our commitment to veterans and their families, we proudly offer to clean one veteran’s gravesite free of charge for every paid headstone maintenance at the same cemetery. In keeping with the historic military tradition, we leave a penny as a heartfelt symbol honoring their service and and their memory.
We follow the guidelines for the National Cemetery Park Service Best Practice Recommendations for cleaning government issued headstones (link). We are committed to tending veteran gravesites free of charge all year and not limited to Veterans Day.
How We Do It: A Step-by-Step Guide to Cleaning a Military Gravesite for Veterans Day or Any Day
Cleaning a headstone requires patience, attention to detail, and a gentle approach to ensure it remains in excellent condition without damage. Here are the steps our team follows to carefully restore the beauty of a headstone:
1. Preparation and Assessment
Before beginning any cleaning, we inspect the headstone for cracks, chips, or areas that may be fragile. Certain materials, like marble or limestone, can be especially delicate and require gentler techniques. Assessing the headstone’s condition allows us to tailor our approach to preserve it properly. Our first priority is to do no harm. If we are unable to safely care for the gravsite, we don't and we will take pictures and issue a condition report our customers can use to manage repairs with the cemetery or the monument maker. We will also refund any collected service fees.
2. Gathering Essential Supplies
For each cleaning, we bring a selection of non-abrasive, pH-neutral cleaners, soft bristle brushes, and microfiber cloths. To mimic military cemetery cleaning practices, we avoid using harsh chemicals that could damage or erode the surface of the stone over time.
3. Initial Rinsing
We begin by thoroughly rinsing the headstone with distilled water to remove any loose dirt or debris. This step is especially important as it loosens the surface grime, making it easier to clean with gentle techniques.
4. Applying a pH-Neutral Cleaner
After rinsing, we apply a small amount of pH-neutral cleaner that is safe for all headstone materials, including marble, granite, and bronze. We use D2 for stone and Simple Green for Bronze. These cleaners help to lift dirt, moss, and stains without risking chemical damage. We avoid common household cleaners, which may contain acids or other chemicals that can harm the stone.
5. Gentle Scrubbing
With a soft-bristle brush, we gently scrub the headstone, following any grooves or engravings carefully. This step is where experience and patience are key, as scrubbing too hard can damage inscriptions or polish. For deeper stains, we use specialized techniques to lift the discoloration without compromising the headstone’s structural integrity.
6. Rinsing and Inspecting for Detail
After scrubbing, we rinse the headstone thoroughly with water to remove any residue from the cleaner and dirt. We then inspect the stone to ensure there are no remaining stains. For military gravesites, in particular, we aim for a pristine finish that aligns with the high standards of military cemetery maintenance.
7. Polishing Bronze Elements
If the headstone includes bronze elements, such as military plaques, we use a gentle polishing method to remove tarnish and restore shine. Our team understands the importance of preserving the original beauty of these elements while keeping engravings clear and legible. We take extra care to avoid over-polishing, which can thin and dull the material over time.
8. Final Rinse and Buffing to Honor Veteran Gravesites
A final rinse with the distilled water ensures all cleaning agents are removed, and we gently buff the surface with a microfiber cloth to enhance its natural shine. Our last step is a close inspection to ensure the headstone is as clean and polished as possible, reflecting the dignity and respect each memorial deserves.
Great Video! Very Informative video on how to safely clean a veteran's gravesite with care. The before and after are impressive!
Dedicated to Veterans: A Free Headstone Cleaning for Every Paid Service
At Memorial Minders, honoring veterans who are no longer with us is a core part of our mission. For each paid headstone cleaning service, we extend a complimentary headstone cleaning to one veteran in the same cemetery. This initiative allows us to show gratitude for their service and help keep veterans’ gravesites beautiful and dignified at all times.
Our cleaning service for veterans’ graves includes the same meticulous process we use for all our clients, ensuring their resting places receive the same high standard of care as those found in military cemeteries. From removing dirt and oxidation to restoring shine to bronze elements, we are dedicated to helping families preserve a lasting tribute to their loved ones who served.
Keeping Veterans’ Graves Clean Year-Round
For families who want their loved ones' headstones to remain in pristine condition throughout the year, Memorial Minders offers an annual maintenance plan. This plan provides scheduled cleanings, ensuring that each gravesite remains clear and clean, free from seasonal grime, and continuously honored. Each cleaning renews the beauty and respect that each veteran’s service and sacrifice deserves.
By choosing Memorial Minders, you’re supporting a commitment to maintaining and beautifying these sacred spaces, ensuring they reflect the dignity and respect our veterans have earned. Let us help you honor and preserve the legacy of those who served with a level of care that would make any military cemetery proud.
Not able to take advantage of Memorial Minders offer because you don't have a loved one in a Virginia cemetery? Consider supporting Wreaths Across America. Although best known for the annual placement of holiday wreaths at veteran's gravesites over the holidays, Wreaths Across America’s mission to Remember the Fallen, Honor those that serve and their families, and Teach the next generation the value of freedom is yearlong and carried out by individuals finding a way to serve in their communities. Wreaths Across America offers many programs and opportunities to share the stories of veterans, their families and those who serve our country. We invite you to learn more about how you too can get involved in the mission, TODAY!
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