Footstone

The footstone lies opposite the headstone, which is usually the primary grave marker.

The footstone may simply mark the foot of a grave, serving as a boundary marker for the grave plot, but more often provide additional information about the interred decedent.

In the United States, when a member or veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces dies, the federal government will provide and install a headstone inscribed with the veteran's name and relevant military information, at no cost to the family.

The family then has the option of requesting a flat marker, which can be used as a footstone, from the federal government for the grave of the veteran.

[1] The preferred marker in these cases is a bronze plaque with the veteran's name and military information, and is often bolted to a granite base and set at the foot of a grave.