Beaufort, South Carolina

Emblems of Belief:  Indigenous religions are alive and well across the continent, and the Native American Church of North America is the most widespread of all. You recognize the tee-pee on their insignia. Do you recognize what's on top? A collection of psychoactive peyote buttons, the focus of the church's chief sacrament. Beaufort National Cemetery. [2008]

Native American Church of North America
USVA Emblem No. 12
Source: USVA/Wikipedia

Beaufort, South Carolina

Emblems of Belief:  A wheel with eight spokes symbolizes Buddhism's Noble Eightfold Path, a set of principles that uphold the stability and harmony of the universe. It's called the Wheel of Dharma or the Wheel of Life. Over a million Americans are Buddhists. Beaufort National Cemetery. [2008]

 

Wheel of Dharma
USVA Emblem No. 2
Source: USVA/Wikipedia

Beaufort, South Carolina

Emblems of Belief:  The 'crescent and star' has deep roots in Near Eastern culture, but recent roots as a symbol of Islam. When you see the emblem on a flag or minaret, the crescent is almost never tilted downward. As a part of the cemetery landscape, however, the waning moon finds it fitting to bow in honor of the dead. Beaufort National Cemetery. [2008]

Crescent and Star
USVA Emblem No. 17
Source: USVA/Wikipedia

Beaufort, South Carolina

Emblems of Belief:  The 6-pointed Star of David is one of the symbols that may be chosen by Jewish veterans for their headstones. Only a few national cemeteries have consecrated Jewish sections, so the Magen David is typically seen strewn among crosses. Beaufort National Cemetery. [2008]

 

Star of David
USVA Eblem No. 3
Source: USVA/Wikipedia

Beaufort, South Carolina

Emblems of Belief:  The Department of Veterans Affairs limits what may be shown on national cemetery headstones. Those who choose to have an emblem of belief must select from an official list. Standardization is the military way. The Latin Cross on this memorial marks the grave of a Christian soldier who served in Vietnam. Beaufort National Cemetery. [2008]

Christian Cross
USVA Emblem No. 1
Source:  USVA/Wikipedia