This may sounds morbid, but

[AXiDTrish]

I was in New Jersey visiting my Grandparents gravesite and I saw a headstone with Greek Letters on it. The husband was a Phi Beta Sigma and the wife (though still alive based on no dates carved in yet) is a Delta Sigma Theta. Below their names were there Greek affiliations.

It just struck me and I smiled when I saw it because I knew immediately how much they loved and respected their orgs.

Anyway, just thought it was interesting. Anyone else ever see anything like this? I don't know if our founders even have letters at their sites.

[KSigkid]

I believe that Stephen Alonzo Jackson (not a founder, but perhaps the most important brother to our history) has a headstone with the letters on it. The stone may also be engraved with our badge, but I'm not completely sure.

[honeychile]

Many of our Founders have the Adelphean clasped hands and/or the diamond on their headstones, if not a full explanation. I'll try to find photos of them, as I know I've seen them!

[Tex1899]

Phi Delt's letters are on a marker at a cemetery in north Houston.

There are a lot of personalization opportunities within the funeral industry. If you have a relative/friend who passes away and really loved their organization, ask the funeral director about options for having their letters incorporated within the service. And if the funeral director says it can't be done, find a different one.

Always ask questons.

[honeychile]

Originally posted by Tex1899
Phi Delt's letters are on a marker at a cemetery in north Houston.

There are a lot of personalization opportunities within the funeral industry. If you have a relative/friend who passes away and really loved their organization, ask the funeral director about options for having their letters incorporated within the service. And if the funeral director says it can't be done, find a different one.

Always ask questons.

Cosign.

My mother got a double headstone when my daddy died, and there's already insignia on both sides. Usually, the national organization has to give their okay first, but it's still easily done.

It also helps any future genealogists!

[Jill1228]

I remember seeing a headstone at Arlington National Cemetery with the Kappa Alpha Psi letters engraved in it.

The headstone was not too far from former boxer Joe Louis's grave

[tunatartare]

I can't imagine any nationals having a problem with someone wanting to put their letters or crest or badge on a tombstone.

[honeychile]

Originally posted by KLPDaisy
I can't imagine any nationals having a problem with someone wanting to put their letters or crest or badge on a tombstone.

I'm sure they wouldn't - but they do want to make sure that you're truly a member, and not some sh80 poser!

[Tom Earp]

WOW, this is something I never thought of as I am planning on being cremated and placed at the Chapter House.

If that doesnt happen for some reason, I will add a codicil to have Ensignia and Letters if planted in the ground.

Genology can be an important thing, some of us are trying to find out where our Founders are buried.


Morbid, nay, just trying to plan ahead when you reach past the age of, "Oh, I will live forever".

I remember reading online last year (our Centennial year) that IHQ and International Council members traveled to the 11 different resting places of our Founders to honor them by placing a special "Alpha Gamma Delta Founder" designation on their grave markers at ceremonies held in their hometowns. They had pictures on display at Convention last year. They're beautiful!

[lifesaver]

Originally posted by Tex1899
There are a lot of personalization opportunities within the funeral industry. If you have a relative/friend who passes away and really loved their organization, ask the funeral director about options for having their letters incorporated within the service. And if the funeral director says it can't be done, find a different one.

Always ask questons.

More specifically, if they wont do it then they can go eff off. Being a graphic artist who also deals with environmental signage, I have actually already designed my headstone. It can and will be updated as my life changes, (get married, etc) but you can be damned sure our symbol will be on it. Probably not the letters, but the cross & crescent.

[Rudey]

Originally posted by lifesaver
More specifically, if they wont do it then they can go eff off. Being a graphic artist who also deals with environmental signage, I have actually already designed my headstone. It can and will be updated as my life changes, (get married, etc) but you can be damned sure our symbol will be on it. Probably not the letters, but the cross & crescent.

Man you need to concentrate more on living and not dying. You make me want to cry every time you post stuff like this.

-Rudey
--And there isn't anyone here to hold me when I cry

[cntryZTA5]

Our Founders have markers on their headstones designating them as founders of Zeta Tau Alpha along with our crest.

[lifesaver]

Originally posted by Rudey
Man you need to concentrate more on living and not dying. You make me want to cry every time you post stuff like this.

-Rudey
--And there isn't anyone here to hold me when I cry

I'm all about living. But when I turned 30 last year, I realized I didnt have any of the adult stuff prepared. If I was married and had a kid I'd catch holy hell for not having a plan set up. So I decided to put some things in order. If I do it, I have all the control. I'm definately not leaving it to my mom. Shes an effing idiot. I'm regularly amazed when she can find her own bathroom.

[sageofages]

Phi Mu placed beautiful quatrefoil shaped headstones on the graves of each of our Founders. This was done at the 75th anniversary (I think) of our founding.

Two are in Georgia, one is in Florida. It is a rather large and memorable marker.