June 99
Memorial Sites and Sections
A memorial section may be located in areas of a cemetery not
suitable, because of soils, terrain or landscape features, for casketed
interments. The size and configuration of the memorial section will
depend on the terrain, network of roads, walks, etc., the size of the
individual memorial site, and the demand at a p rticular cemetery for
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memorial sites. A memorial site is 900 mm x 900 mm (3' x 3'), marked
with a 300 mm x 450 mm (12" x 18") flat marker of granite or bronze,
except that bronze memorial plaques may be mounted on walls
designated for that purpose, in lieu of placement of a marker in a memorial
section. These walls may be portions of other features such as retaining
walls, terraces, etc. that are appropriate for memorial purposes.
Section Markers
Each burial section is marked by one or more section markers
bearing either the number or letter assigned to that section. Section
markers are an element of the signage system for the cemetery. Section
markers are positioned at the edge of the section, usually near a road,
drive, or walk, where they are readily visible to the public. Design details
of the three standard section markers can be found in NCA Program
Guide Signage Standards.
Gravesite control markers
Permanent gravesite control monuments, which meet the
requirements detailed in NCA Handbook, Interment Area Layout, are
installed prior to the use of any section (burial, cremains or memorial) for
interment. The standard grid dimensions are 27 m x 27 m (90' x 90').
Grading, Drainage, and Planting
Retain the site in as natural a state as possible. Keep grading to a
minimum, while meeting the functional requirements of the cemetery. To
the extent feasible, balance on-site cut and fill. Leave undisturbed such
features as natural drainage ways, valuable trees or tree groups, shrubs,
ground covers, rock out-croppings and streams. Siltation or increased
turbidity of natural wetland areas should be avoided to comply with
applicable regulations. The design should use construction practices that
minimize adverse effects on the natural habitat.
The planting design should articulate and strengthen the site layout.
Develop interrelated patterns of open, closed, or semi-enclosed spaces to
suit the planned function. Concentrate planting in non-burial areas, such
as trees along streets, buffer planting to screen unsightly views, and
plantings to separate burial sections. Each plant used should serve a
VA Design Guide -- National Cemetery Administration
Page 2 -14
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