In the quiet stillness of cemeteries across Lucas County, Ohio, countless Veterans lie at rest. Yet, many of their headstones and grave markers have fallen into disrepair, their inscriptions faded by time. Recognizing this, James N. Phillips Jr., a retired Navy Supply Corps Officer, took action.
Sparked by a heartfelt conversation with his wife, Phillips founded Remember Veteran Grave Markers Inc. (RVGM), an organization dedicated to restoring the dignity of these final resting places and ensuring that the legacy of those who served is never forgotten.
The organization’s motto, Preserve – Honor – Remember, reflects its core mission. Phillips and his team focus on cleaning and cataloging historic Veteran headstones, ensuring they remain legible and well-preserved. They also work to educate and inspire others about the importance of remembering and honoring Veterans.
To achieve its goals, RVGM collaborates with local Veterans’ organizations, including the VFW and American Legion, as well as community groups like the Scouts America, JROTC, and Trail Life USA. These partnerships help mobilize volunteers and secure funding for cleaning supplies and research tools.
But RVGM’s work extends beyond cleaning grave markers. Working with the National Cemetery Administration (NCA) of the Department of Veterans Affairs, the organization advocates to secure new headstones for Veterans whose markers are damaged or illegible.
One of RVGM’s most significant victories came when a local cemetery amended its policies, allowing the organization to restore government-furnished headstones. This achievement set a precedent for other cemeteries to follow, reinforcing the community’s commitment to honoring its Veterans. With more than 54 private and municipal cemeteries in Lucas County alone, the organization’s task is immense but deeply meaningful.
This work is personal for Phillips, whose own ancestry includes Veterans of the Civil War, War of 1812, and the American Revolution. For him, each headstone represents not just an individual, but a story—a life dedicated to service and sacrifice.
As 2025 marks the 160th anniversary of the end of the Civil War, RVGM is preparing to intensify its efforts to preserve historic government-furnished headstones across Lucas County. The organization also aims to mentor similar initiatives in other counties and states, spreading its impact nationwide.
You don’t need to be a historian or Veteran to make a difference. Here’s how you can join RVGM’s mission:
- Visit your local cemetery, find a government-furnished grave marker, and help clean it by following RVGM’s guidelines.
- Follow RVGM on YouTube and Facebook (@RVGMInc) to spread awareness.
- Consider starting a local chapter of RVGM to help expand its mission.
As Phillips reflected with a favorite quote, “I am only one, but still, I am one. I cannot do everything, but still, I can do something.” Through RVGM, he and his team are proving just how powerful that something can be. For more information, visit RVGM’s social media pages or contact Jim Phillips directly at (216) 536-2640.
Together, we can ensure that no Veteran’s sacrifice is forgotten.
