Churchyards, graveyards and cemeteries have a story to tell about the dead buried in them. The symbols and acronyms are carved into the tombstones, mausoleums, tombs and gravestones, represent the deceased’s life including their journey, beliefs and occupations. Some monuments include elaborate symbolism, also known as funerary art that unlock the secret lives of those buried.
The list below is a collection of headstone symbols commonly found in churchyards, graveyards and cemeteries. A brief interpretation of the tombstone symbol is offered.
Acronyms
| BPOE | Benevolent Protective Order of Elks |
|---|---|
| FLT | with each letter in a link of a chain: Friendship, Love and Truth (see I.O.O.F.) |
| FOE | Fraternal Order of Eagles |
| GAR | Grand Army of the Republic. It was an organization of Civil War Union Army veterans. |
| IOOF | International Order of Odd Fellows (see F.L.T.). |
| VDM | verbi Dei minister (Minister of the Word of God). |
| WOW | Woodmen of the World. Upright tree stump markers are typical of the fraternity. |
| Consort | she outlived her husband. |
| ALOH | American Legion of Honor |
| AMVETS | American Veterans |
| B of LF&E | Brotherhood of Local Firemen and Engineers |
| BPOE | Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks |
| CE | Christian Endeavor |
| DAR | Daughters of The American Revolution |
| IUOM | Independent United Order of Mechanics |
| LK of A | Loyal Knights of America |
| MOLLUS | Military Order of the Loyal Legion of the United States |
| MOPH | Military Order of the Purple Heart |
| MOS&B | Military Order of the Stars and Bars |
| MWA | Modern Woodsmen of America |
| OSC | Order of Scottish Clans |
| SCV | Sons of the Confederate Veterans |
| SAR | Sisters of the American Revolution |
| SAR | Sons of the American Revolution |
| SV | Sons of Veterans |
| UDC | United Daughters of The Confederacy |
| VFW | Veterans of Foreign Wars |
| UFL | Union Fraternal League |
