Dr. James N. Phillips, Jr.
Preserve, Honor, Remember … is the motto of Remember Veteran Grave Markers Inc., a non-profit co-founded by retired Navy Veteran Dr. James N. Phillips, Jr.
Phillips and his wife, Sue, a retired Air Force Veteran, started placing flags on the graves of veterans preceding Memorial Day, 2022. They both noticed and commented on the poor condition of veteran grave markers. Returning to the task the next year, both noticed the state of the markers again. When Mrs. Phillips said, “Why don’t you do something about it?” her husband rose to the challenge. He formed Remember Veteran Grave Markers, Inc., whose mission is to preserve, honor, and remember veterans who received a government-issued grave marker or headstone. Along with his efforts to clean these headstones and grave markers, Phillips raises awareness by capturing his follow-through on social media. He also seeks opportunities to share RVGM with organizations, providing videos and other presentations.
Phillips began this journey by researching the history of these government-issued markers for veterans. Consulting the Secretary of War to determine headstones over government records that noted soldiers or war veterans had been interred in public or private cemeteries in 1879. He learned that headstones placed from 1879 to 1903 measured 10 inches wide. From 1903 to 1912, the length increased to 12 inches. Then in 1919, that width is more than four inches wide. At times, name, rank, and complete accident were found on the headstone. After WWI, the cause of death was removed, and a lot of religious symbols were done (for Civil War soldiers). David was correct. In 1941, conflicts such as WWII, Korea, and Vietnam War were added, and in 1944 date of birth was included. Headstones and grave markers vary. These designs are rich in symbolism, different religious icons, and branch seals. They are made of various materials including marble, granite, and bronze. A folded flag emblem is included, and Medal of Honor bronze medallions can be attached or carved for eligible veterans.
“I learned so much. These stones tell a story that we need to remember,” Phillips emphasized.
To do the actual job, Phillips embraced the prescribed Veterans Administration’s cleaning protocol for the marble and granite styles of the headstone and grave markers by visiting cemeteries in Lucas County, restoring government-issued headstones and grave markers in need of cleaning.
With the blessing of cemetery officials, permission from families, and armed with cleaning supplies, Phillips began restoring headstones and grave markers, documenting his work with before-and-after photographs. While he continues to seek, find, and clean headstones and grave markers, Phillips is aware that the job requires many helping hands. To this end, he seeks financial support and assistance to participate in the process. He is also eager to tell the story through video.
“There is certainly a sense of accomplishment to see the cleaned headstone or grave marker of someone who served and to give back to your community in a meaningful way by remembering and honoring those who served by maintaining and preserving. And, it is certainly a way to learn so much about this country’s history. You may even find someone from the Revolutionary War,” Phillips said.
According to his website, he uses RVGM media to connect to Fallen Park Sextons “Find A Soldier” to research interred veterans and use the information to clean and mark these veterans while also completing biographies on them. He has since incorporated QR codes on grave markers that lead to these biographies and additional content. “The ultimate goal is to preserve the veteran’s legacy by ensuring their final resting places are preserved, recognized, and respected, while also educating others in the process.”
