Memorial Day: Cleaning Headstones with Bar Keepers Friend Granite & Stone Cleaner & Polish

May 22, 2024

When I looked at the title, cleaning headstones, I couldn’t help but think of loved ones I’d lost. Is it the same for you? I thought of my mom and my stepdad. My stepfather was an electrical engineer and Korean War veteran. Like my late father-in-law, a decorated WW2 vet, he didn’t talk much about his experience in the war. He served and was proud of his service.

Memorial Day, observed on the last Monday of May, is dedicated to remembering and honoring military personnel who died while serving in the U.S. Armed Forces. It is a time for reflection, gratitude, and remembrance of those who made the ultimate sacrifice for their country.

Cleaning Headstones

There are many meaningful ways to observe Memorial Day beyond. One of the most impactful ways of honoring the fallen soldiers is cleaning headstones and grave monuments of fallen soldiers.

Over time, monuments get dirty. “Soiling and staining of cemetery gravestones, monuments, markers, and statuary can result from soil splashing, pollution, rusting bolts or other metal features, bird deposits, and berries or sap dropping onto the stone. Biological growth, such as algae, lichen, or moss, can cover the surface, cause the stone to decay, and make reading the stone difficult. Cleaning stones should be done with the gentlest means possible.” — National Park Service — Cleaning Grave Markers

Here’s How Easy it is to Use BKF Granite & Stone Cleaner & Polish 

Spray Bar Keepers Friend Granite & Stone Cleaner & Polish directly on the headstone. Next, let it sit for one minute. Rub the surface of the monument lightly with a non-abrasive sponge. Wipe it until it is clean and dry, then polish the memorial using a soft cloth or paper towel. Repeat as needed.

Our Granite & Stone Cleaner & Polish is specially formulated for smooth, polished stone use. It’s perfect for cleaning granite, marble, and quartz. The Granite & Stone Cleaner is a pH-balanced formula that won’t scratch or dull stone finishes and does not contain bleach, which can damage the stone.

Here Are a Few Other Ways to Honor Our Fallen Heroes 

• Plant a tree in memory of fallen service members. This is a living tribute that can last for years to come.
• Read biographies or stories about the lives of those who died serving their country to gain a deeper understanding of their sacrifices.
• Volunteer to place flags or flowers on graves of veterans at a local cemetery. This simple act can show respect and honor.
• Participate in the National Moment of Remembrance at 3:00 PM local time. Take a moment of silence to reflect and pay tribute.
• Fly the American flag at half-staff until noon to remember those who gave their lives.
• Reach out to families of fallen service members to offer condolences and support. Your words can make a difference.
• Attend or host a small gathering to share meals and memories about loved ones lost in service.
• Attend public ceremonies.
• Watch documentaries or historical films that honor the military and their sacrifices.

The key is to find personal and meaningful ways to commemorate and reflect on Memorial Day’s true meaning. Small acts of remembrance can make a significant impact.

About the Author 

Randy Clark is a speaker, coach, and author. He publishes a weekly blog at Randy Clark Leadership.com. Randy is passionate about social media, leadership development, and flower gardening. He’s a beer geek, and on weekends (after COVID-19), he can be found fronting the Rock & Roll band Under the Radar. He’s the proud father of two daughters; he has four amazing grandchildren and a wife who dedicates her time to helping others. Randy is the author of the Amazon bestseller The New Manager’s Workbook: A crash course in effective management.