Staten Island Monuments, Inc.

Q: Why do cemeteries impose regulations on headstones? A: These rules are made so that the cemetery is able to keep even rows and to maintain a degree of uniformity.

There may be no more iconic sight in Washington D.C. than the Lincoln Memorial. But did you know that this memorial was ordered by Congress in 1867 and not completed until 1922? The 36 columns surrounding the memorial represent the states in the country at the time of Lincoln's death.

Many U.S. cemeteries provide stone monument installation services on request. It's always a good idea to coordinate with a cemetery beforehand to become familiar with their guidelines and scheduling limitations.

A gravestone is one of the primary ways a person will be remembered, and each grave marker should express something unique about the deceased’s personality.

The importance of funerals created a demand for more intricate headstone carvings and other symbols of social status. For example, wealthy Victorians introduced life-size statues.

Some people choose to go a comical route for their epitaphs. For example, a man named John Yeast chose the follow phrase: "Here lies Johnny Yeast. Pardon me for not rising."

Graveyards are a relatively new invention. Before the 1800s, most people were buried on family land or outside of town limits and later, in churchyards.

Flat grass markers provide an affordable alternative to other grave memorials and monuments. These markers lie flush with the ground and usually are about 4 inches thick.

While granite is the most popular material used to make grave markers today because it's beautiful and durable, that wasn't always the case. From the 1600s to the early 1900s, slate, and sandstone were the most common materials used.

This memorial, which was set today at St. Peter's Cemetery, Staten Island, NY, has a recessed VA medallion between the dates. It is one way which you can honor your loved one, who served in the military. The medallions are offered free of charge, through the VA, for any eligible, deceased veteran.

If you plan to purchase a headstone from a third-party or online retailer, make sure this is allowed by the cemetery and be sure to ask about fees and charges for bringing in or installing headstones bought elsewhere.

Before you order a memorial marker, it pays to make sure that what you're having made fits in with the park's specifications. Disregarding these regulations may result in the park disallowing the memorial, thus setting you back a considerable amount.

Your loved one should have a headstone that is nearly as beautiful as they were. We have a large variety of headstones in many colors, styles, and shapes. We will do everything to make sure that you loved one has the memorial they deserve.