Headstone Ideas for a Navy Veteran

Sailors who served in the Royal Canadian Navy, US Navy, Royal Navy and other fleets often carry a lifelong bond with the sea and their shipmates. A memorial can honour that service with the traditions of the navy.

Symbol and etching ideas

• A fouled anchor — an anchor with its rope. See anchor meaning.
• The ship they served on, etched from a photo.
• Waves across the base.
• A ship's wheel.
• A compass rose — see compass meaning.

Personal touches

• Rank, branch and years of service.
• Ships served on — HMCS, USS or HMS and the name.
• Trade or rating.
• Conflicts or operations.

Epitaph ideas

• Fair winds and following seas.
• Rest easy, sailor.
• Gone aloft.
• On his final voyage.
• O hear us when we cry to Thee for those in peril on the sea. (William Whiting, 1860)

The naval hymn

"Eternal Father, Strong to Save", written by William Whiting in 1860, is sung at naval services around the world and is in the public domain. Its line "For those in peril on the sea" is a fitting epitaph for a sailor.

Official markers and emblems

Veterans may be eligible for government grave markers or medallions — see VA medallion for a private headstone and Last Post Fund grave markers. Official crests and badges may need permission, so ask your monument company.

Design tips

• Check rank, ship names and dates against service records.
• Official crests may need permission.
• Black granite shows ships and waves well.
• See military headstone inscriptions and military symbols.

Key Takeaways

• Anchors and ships suit a navy veteran.
• Include rank, ships and years of service.
• "Fair winds and following seas" is traditional.
• Check eligibility for official markers.

Next Step

See occupation and hobby symbols and custom etched scenes, or try it in the Design Studio.