Tui Snider - author & speaker

Cemeteries & Symbolism

How to Identify US Veterans’ Graves

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[The following is an adapted excerpt from my book, Understanding Cemetery Symbols. I hope you enjoy it! Also, full disclosure: that’s an Amazon affiliate link. If you buy stuff after clicking it, I make a few pennies at no additional cost to you.]

How to Identify US Veterans’ Graves

Today I’ll show you how to quickly identify 3 different types of official American military markers for soldier’s gravesites. To see more examples and learn some surprising history, check out the video I made, too:

Here’s a video for Identifying US Veterans Graves:

#1 Civil War Type Markers

The first official US military headstone is commonly called the Civil War Type because it came into use in 1873, shortly after the Civil War. It was subsequently used to mark the graves of soldiers who fought in other wars, too, including the Mexican War, Spanish American War, War of 1812, and even the American Revolution.

Civil War type monument. (c) Tui Snider
Civil War type monument. (c) Tui Snider

#2 Confederate Type Markers

Civil War markers were NOT awarded to those who fought for the Confederacy, however. In 1906, the government issued a special marble marker specifically for those who fought for the South. The emblem at the top of this stone is called a Southern Cross of Honor and/or Confederate Cross of Honor.  (To learn more about that, check out my video!)

Confederate Type grave marker. (c) Tui Snider
Confederate Type grave marker. (c) Tui Snider

#3 General Type Markers

Shortly after World War I, a new style of US military marker was developed. It’s called the General Type because the committee which created it contained two generals: Gen. Pershing and Gen. Rogers.

For more details about all 3 of these official military markers as well as some rather surprising history, make sure you watch my YouTube video: How to Identify US Veterans’ Graves.

General Type military grave markers. (c) Tui Snider
General Type military grave markers. (c) Tui Snider

Side by Side Comparison of the 3 Official Markers

Here’s a side-by-side comparison of the different types of US military grave markers. As you can see, there’s a shield on the Civil War type, the Confederate type comes to a point, and the General Type lacks the shield, is rounded, and has space for a religious emblem of belief.

US military grave markers: side-by-side comparison. (c) Tui Snider
US military grave markers: side-by-side comparison. (c) Tui Snider

Flat marble military markers

Since many modern cemeteries do not allow standing monuments, the US War Department has also created flat markers, such as the marble one you see below:

Flat marble military marker. (c) Tui Snider
Flat marble military marker. (c) Tui Snider

Flat bronze military markers

Bronze markers are also available in this style, as well. Here’s an example of that:

Flat bronze military marker. (c) Tui Snider
Flat bronze military marker. (c) Tui Snider

Official markers are not mandatory

While the US Veterans Administration will provide official markers for military personnel free of charge, soldiers are not required to use them. To see some unique examples of military gravesites that I’ve seen during my travels, check out my video: How to Identify Veterans’ Graves.

READ MY BOOK: If you enjoy historic cemeteries and want to learn more, check out my books: Understanding Cemetery Symbols and Grave Goods. They’re available on Amazon in paperback and ebook form.

Learn more at my YouTube Channel:

Do you have questions about headstone symbols? Drop by my YouTube channel and let me take you one some virtual cemetery tours! You can also tune in to my 30-minute historic cemetery podcast on the first Tuesday of each month: Tombstone Tuesday with Tui Snider.

READ MY BOOK: If you enjoy historic cemeteries and want to learn more, check out my book: Understanding Cemetery Symbols. It’s available on Amazon in paperback and ebook form.

Grab a FREE book:






“A Quick Bite” Offers Bite-Sized Tales of Vampires, Werewolves & Zombies

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Do you read Flash Fiction?

Flash Fiction is a term referring to bite-sized stories ranging from 5 to 1500 words in length. They’re fun to read when you’re not in the mood to commit to a novel-length book, but you’d like a break from the real world.

What’s a Drabble?

A Drabble is a 100-word-long Flash Fiction story. A 200-word-long story is called a Double Drabble. Like any genre, not all Flash Fiction is created equal. When done right, the storyteller reels you in, surprises you with a sudden twist, and/or makes you care so much about the characters you just met that you want to read more.

Satisfying, but leaves you wanting more

I wasn’t much of a Drabble fan until my friend, Patricia Lynne (a.k.a. Patricia Josephine), started sharing hers. I’ve gotta say, Patty is a master of the Double Drabble. Her flash fiction manages to create a full story while still leaving me wanting to know what happens next. (I still feel sorry for one of the characters she wrote about in a story I read a few years back!)

Brand new book

So I’m excited to tell you about Patty’s brand new book: A Quick Bite. It’s a collection of Double Drabbles featuring vampires, werewolves, and zombies. Much like a box of fine chocolates, you will find it hard to stop at just one story in A Quick Bite! Grab your copy here: A Quick Bite.

Blurb for A Quick Bite

Vampires.
Werewolves.
Zombies.

These monsters tickle our imagination.

Sink your teeth into a collection of tales about paranormal creatures that go bump in the night. Each story is told in exactly 200 words and designed to give you a quick bite no matter how busy your day is.

Are you hungry?

About the author:

Patricia Josephine is a writer of Urban Fantasy and Sci-Fi Romance books. She actually never set out to become a writer, and in fact, she was more interested in art and band in high school and college. Her dreams were of becoming an artist like Picasso.

On a whim, she wrote down a story bouncing in her head for fun. That was the start of her writing journey, and she hasn’t regretted a moment. When she’s not writing, she’s watching Doctor Who or reading about serial killers.

She’s an avid knitter. One can never have too much yarn. She writes Young Adult Paranormal, Science Fiction, and Fantasy under the name Patricia Lynne.

Patricia lives with her husband in Michigan, hopes one day to have what will resemble a small petting zoo, and has a fondness for dying her hair the colors of the rainbow.

Follow Patricia Josephine online:
PatriciaJosephine.com 
Patreon 
Twitter 
Facebook 
Newsletter 
Goodreads 
Amazon Author Page 
Smashwords 

Learn more at my YouTube Channel:

Do you have questions about historic cemeteries and headstone symbols? Drop by my YouTube channel and let me take you one some virtual cemetery tours! You can also tune in to my 30-minute historic cemetery podcast on the first Tuesday of each month: Tombstone Tuesday with Tui Snider.

READ MY BOOK: If you enjoy historic cemeteries and want to learn more, check out my book: Understanding Cemetery Symbols. It’s available on Amazon in paperback and ebook form.

Grab a FREE book:






Exploring Historic Cemeteries: Zinc Monuments a.k.a. White Bronze

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April A to Z Challenge 2020: It’s that time of year! Every April, bloggers around the world make posts for each letter of the alphabet. It’s a lot of fun and a great way to make friends online. Here’s my post for today:

[The following is an adapted excerpt from my travel guide to haunted places, a book called Paranormal Texas.  I hope you enjoy it! Also, full disclosure: that’s an Amazon affiliate link. If you buy stuff after clicking it, I make a few pennies at no additional cost to you.]

Zinc a.k.a. White Bronze monument (photo (c) Tui Snider)
Zinc a.k.a. White Bronze monument (photo (c) Tui Snider)

What are “White Bronze” monuments?

From 1874 to 1914, the Monumental Bronze Company of Bridgeport Connecticut offered custom-made monuments made from a zinc alloy. Called “white bronze” to make them sound fancier, not only were these metal monuments less expensive than carved marble or limestone, but they were also much more durable.

Zinc a.k.a. White Bronze monument (photo (c) Tui Snider)
Zinc a.k.a. White Bronze monument (photo (c) Tui Snider)

They are so durable!

In fact, the inscriptions on these monuments are clearly legible even today. People could order these monuments through a catalogue, and customize them accordingly.

Zinc a.k.a. White Bronze monument (photo (c) Tui Snider)
Zinc a.k.a. White Bronze monument (photo (c) Tui Snider)

Distinctive color and easy to ID

After you’ve seen a few examples in person, you’ll be able to easily recognize white bronze monuments by their distinctive bluish gray color. If you’re not sure though, simply give one a tap with a stick or your hand.

Zinc a.k.a. White Bronze monument (photo (c) Tui Snider)
Zinc a.k.a. White Bronze monument (photo (c) Tui Snider)

Used by bootleggers?

Since these are hollow constructions, you will hear a metallic ringing sound. During the Prohibition Era, it’s claimed that boot- leggers sometimes pried panels off of these since monuments to hide booze inside. (I have not been able to confirm whether or not this is true, but the idea intrigues me!)

Zinc a.k.a. White Bronze monument (photo (c) Tui Snider)
Zinc a.k.a. White Bronze monument (photo (c) Tui Snider)

WWI put them out of business

During World War One, zinc was needed for guns and munitions, so the Monumental Bronze Company shifted its focus to aid the war effort. In 1939, they went out of business completely. I think that’s rather sad! Zinc monuments are some of my favorites. Are there any such “white bronze” monuments in burial grounds near you?

READ MY BOOK: If you enjoy historic cemeteries and want to learn more, check out my book: Understanding Cemetery Symbols. It’s available on Amazon in paperback and ebook form.

Learn more at my Historic Cemetery Podcast & YouTube Channel:

Do you have questions about headstone symbols? Drop by my YouTube channel and let me take you one some virtual cemetery tours! You can also tune in to my 30-minute historic cemetery podcast on the first Tuesday of each month: Tombstone Tuesday with Tui Snider.

READ MY BOOK: If you enjoy historic cemeteries and want to learn more, check out my book: Understanding Cemetery Symbols. It’s available on Amazon in paperback and ebook form.

Grab a FREE copy of my book:






Sign up below for your FREE book:

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Exploring Historic Cemeteries: X Marks the Spot!

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April A to Z Challenge 2020: It’s that time of year! Every April, bloggers around the world make posts for each letter of the alphabet. It’s a lot of fun and a great way to make friends online. Here’s my post for today:

[The following is an adapted excerpt from my travel guide to haunted places, a book called Paranormal Texas.  I hope you enjoy it! Also, full disclosure: that’s an Amazon affiliate link. If you buy stuff after clicking it, I make a few pennies at no additional cost to you.]

The Chi Rho symbol helped me learn the true meaning of Xmas! (photo by Tui Snider)
The Chi Rho symbol. (photo (c) Tui Snider)

XP is Ancient Greek shorthand for “Christ”

When you see an XP symbol on a headstone it is a Christian symbol. Since Christ’s name starts with the letters X and P when spelled in Greek, XP (pronounced KEE-roe) is often used as shorthand for “Christ.”

That’s where Xmas comes from

In fact,  that’s where “Xmas” comes from. It’s ancient shorthand for “Christmas.” There is nothing new about it at all! Basically, 1000 years ago a clever scribe realized that the Greek letter Chi, which is written as X, makes a useful substitution for “Christ,” not just in the word Christmas, but in other words such as Christian (Xtian) and Christianity (Xtianity.) To them, “Xmas” was a perfectly respectful shorthand for “Christmas.”

Used by florists and even punk rockers

It’s not just religious scribes who avoid hand cramps with this clever abbreviation. Florists have been known to prune the lengthy word “Chrysanthemum” by spelling it “Xant.” And in the 17th and 18th centuries, “Christine” was often spelled “Xene” or “Exene.” (Another epiphany for me as a fan of the punk band X, who’s lead singer changed the spelling of her first name to Exene! )

Speaking of Xmas…

In more recent times, the mistaken idea that Xmas is a disrespectful term has taken hold. Many modern style guides, for instance, discourage the use of Xmas and it’s rare to see Christmas spelled “Xmas” on today’s holiday cards.

But WE know better, right?

For now, at least, you and I both know the true meaning of Xmas! And I’ve gotta ask: Have you ever seen XP on a tombstone?

Why is the Elks’ clock set for 11?

READ MY BOOK: If you enjoy historic cemeteries and want to learn more, check out my book: Understanding Cemetery Symbols. It’s available on Amazon in paperback and ebook form.

Learn more at my Historic Cemetery Podcast & YouTube Channel:

Do you have questions about headstone symbols? Drop by my YouTube channel and let me take you one some virtual cemetery tours! You can also tune in to my 30-minute historic cemetery podcast on the first Tuesday of each month: Tombstone Tuesday with Tui Snider.

READ MY BOOK: If you enjoy historic cemeteries and want to learn more, check out my book: Understanding Cemetery Symbols. It’s available on Amazon in paperback and ebook form.

Grab a FREE copy of my book:






Sign up below for your FREE book:

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What are Grave Goods?

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Check out my brand new book:

Guess what? I’ve got a brand new book about historic cemeteries coming out on Sunday! It’s called Grave Goods. Here’s a one-minute book trailer I made for it:

What are Grave Goods?

Grave goods are items left at a gravesite or buried with the deceased. Flowers are the most common modern-day example. You’ve probably seen a bouquet at a gravesite, but people actually leave a whole bunch of different things on graves. I’ve seen everything from fire hydrants to clown noses! And, yes, I’ve got photos of those things – and more.

50+ Full-page color photos

Grave Goods includes more than 50 full-page color photos showing interesting examples of grave goods I’ve seen all over the world – Texas, Australia, Argentina, England, Alaska, and so on!

Fire hydrant as grave goods. (photo (c) Tui Snider)
Fire hydrant as grave goods. (photo (c) Tui Snider)

Religion, Culture, and even Economics

In Grave Goods, I describe the origin and history behind the many different grave goods that you see in cemeteries, including how the Great Depression impacted this practice. I also touch on cultural and religious origins for different items, and sort out a few “facts versus myths” along the way.

Mardi gras beads as grave goods. (photo (c) Tui Snider)
Mardi gras beads as grave goods. (photo (c) Tui Snider)

Special Early Bird Pre-order Sale

Do you enjoy exploring cemeteries? Right now, Grave Goods is on a special Early Bird Preorder sale for a mere $1.99. That’s the lowest Amazon would let me price it since the photos make it such a big file. If the topic interests you, I hope you check it out! Once the book launches, I’ll be raising the price to $4.99.

Have you seen or left grave goods in a cemetery?

Have you ever seen grave goods at a gravesite? Have you ever left any at a gravesite?

READ MY BOOK: If you enjoy historic cemeteries and want to learn more, check out my book: Understanding Cemetery Symbols. It’s available on Amazon in paperback and ebook form.

Learn more at my Historic Cemetery Podcast & YouTube Channel:

Do you have questions about headstone symbols? Drop by my YouTube channel and let me take you one some virtual cemetery tours! You can also tune in to my 30-minute historic cemetery podcast on the first Tuesday of each month: Tombstone Tuesday with Tui Snider.

READ MY BOOK: If you enjoy historic cemeteries and want to learn more, check out my book: Understanding Cemetery Symbols. It’s available on Amazon in paperback and ebook form.

Grab a FREE copy of my book:






Sign up below for your FREE book:

We respect your email privacy

Virtual Cemetery Tour: Seashell Mounded Graves

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April A to Z Challenge 2020: It’s that time of year! Every April, bloggers around the world make posts for each letter of the alphabet. It’s a lot of fun and a great way to make friends online. Here’s my post for today:

Seashell mounded grave. (photo (c) Tui Snider)
Seashell mounded grave. (photo (c) Tui Snider)

Virtual Cemetery Tour

For the letter V, I thought I’d take us on a Virtual Cemetery Tour here in North Texas! Since we’ve been on lockdown, I’ve started sharing cemetery videos on YouTube. If you enjoy exploring historic cemeteries, then I invite you to join me on these fun adventures. Here’s the link: Exploring Historic Cemeteries.

Seashell mounded grave. (photo (c) Tui Snider)
Seashell mounded grave. (photo (c) Tui Snider)

Maybe you just want to read?

If you are simply in the mood to read, I invite you to browse through my A to Z list of articles about exploring historic cemeteries. Here’s that link: Historic Cemeteries A to Z.

Seashell at gravesite. (photo (c) Tui Snider)
Seashell at gravesite. (photo (c) Tui Snider)

Mounded Graves with Seashells in Jaybird Cemetery

I recently saw some interesting mounded graves that had clam shells embedded in them in historic Jaybird Cemetery here in North Texas. While my description in the video is pretty breezy, I should add that the exact historic origins of this practice are not entirely agreed upon. So enjoy my commentary, but please understand that I’m still researching this!

Tour Jaybird Cemetery with me:

Learn more about Seashells at graves

I should also mention that my book, Grave Goods, goes into much more detail about seashells at gravesites. And what about you: Have you ever seen seashells at a gravesite?

READ MY BOOK: If you enjoy historic cemeteries and want to learn more, check out my book: Understanding Cemetery Symbols. It’s available on Amazon in paperback and ebook form.

Learn more at my Historic Cemetery Podcast & YouTube Channel:

Do you have questions about headstone symbols? Drop by my YouTube channel and let me take you one some virtual cemetery tours! You can also tune in to my 30-minute historic cemetery podcast on the first Tuesday of each month: Tombstone Tuesday with Tui Snider.

READ MY BOOK: If you enjoy historic cemeteries and want to learn more, check out my book: Understanding Cemetery Symbols. It’s available on Amazon in paperback and ebook form.

Grab a FREE copy of my book:






Sign up below for your FREE book:

We respect your email privacy