Battlefield cross

The practice started during World War I, as a sign of respect for those that gave their lives in combat during wartime.

While it is used less today as a means of identification, it still serves as a method of mourning among the living, as attending the funeral is not always possible for soldiers still in combat.

In most cases, the unit prepares a program that may include a biographical summary of the deceased soldier with mention of awards and decorations.

The inverted rifle with bayonet signals a time for prayer, a break in the action to pay tribute to our comrade.

[5] There is a bronze sculpture of the Battlefield Cross at the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 8900.

[6] Three separate Battlefield Crosses are on public display permanently located at Veteran's Park on Elm Street in Manchester, New Hampshire.

The crosses are erected by comrades in arms to show honor and respect for the brave souls who gave their lives in service to their country."

This text is followed on the main display sign by four bullet points outlining, "The Meaning Behind A Battlefield Cross": "1.

Helmet, rifle and boots forming a battle cross for a fallen Marine .
Demonstration of Individual Soldier Memorial for use by the Soldier's unit, meant to facilitate the healing process. [ 2 ] Demonstration includes helmet, boots, rifle, and dog tags mounted on a memorial stand.
Expeditionary Memorial Rifle Stand. [ 3 ] Does not include the helmet, boots, rifle, or dog tags that are to be mounted on the memorial stand during the ceremony. See III, C-6 (left)
This is a sculpture in bronze of a Battlefield Cross as it would appear in honor of a fallen American soldier during World War II.
This is a sculpture in bronze of a Battlefield Cross as it would appear in honor of a fallen American soldier during the Vietnam War.
This is a sculpture in bronze of a Battlefield Cross as it would appear in honor of a fallen American soldier during "The Global War on Terror."