Four years ago, ALA Unit 186 in Independence, Wis., began discussions about recognizing recently deceased members with a bronze Auxiliary emblem grave marker at local cemeteries. 
 
Unit Historian Joan Gunderson reported members all agreed it was a great idea but wondered: Where do you draw the line? They didn’t want to just acknowledge a few when so many others had done so much throughout the 100-year history of their unit. In addition, they wondered where they would find historical information and how they would pay for such an undertaking.
 
A few months later, they were given boxes full of their unit history that was found by the local library when cleaning out the basement. The boxes, along with binders of information that had been passed down from unit president to unit president, amounted to a lot of valuable material. 
 
“Priceless information was found about our past members — going back to 1924 when we were first chartered,” said Gunderson. “We were able to find 380 former members.”
 
Gunderson said they’ve learned a lot about the generosity and service of their past unit members. During the Depression, they contributed to a school milk program for children in need, along with food baskets and clothing drives for families. During World War II, the unit purchased war bonds to support our troops, and throughout the years, the unit has gifted donations and supplies to area VA facilities and local hospitals, as well as support to various community organizations and causes. 
 
Using the online grave index service www.FindAGrave.com as well as old obituaries, Unit 186 discovered that 221 of the former members were buried in area cemeteries, and the remainder were buried throughout the United States.
 
After four years of gathering information and collecting donations, the unit launched their Markers for Members service project. Placement of markers began with the most current members, and the unit is working on systematically going back to those identified as past members.

Gunderson reported 145 markers have been placed to date, and they are 77% funded for their goal of 222 markers.
 
Tips for starting a grave marker project
· Create a detailed plan and the scope of your project. Recognize recent members or members throughout your unit history. Assign a point person, set a timeline, goals, and outcomes. Explore options for funding.
· Community engagement: Involve your American Legion Family, and consider unit historian and community volunteers to assist with research, design, and installation. 
· Access records: Utilize your unit archives, historical societies, and online databases.
· Gravesite identification: Use cemetery maps, obituaries, and grave indexes.
· Shop grave marker selection at American Legion Flag & Emblem Sales: Emblem Sales offers a variety of different branded grave markers at Emblem.Legion.org. 
· Research policies and regulations: Contact the cemetery to learn about their specific rules and installation procedures. 
Be respectful: Always handle the cemetery and gravesites with sensitivity and care.