Tom
.. Great work and thanks for sharing. Had looked back through hoards of old cemetery photos that I had taken and realized that all of the stones put in during the 1990's in this area (Va) were indeed lacking the circle around the Southern Cross of Honor at the top. Just hadnt noticed that it had actually changed. Older ones placed in the 1970-80's had the circle (Hollywood Cemetery - Richmond)

Interesting that they still do not recognize nor place stones for spouses, non-soldiers etc. In around 2001 a heritage group in SC placed a stone on the grave of a female civilian who ironicly was an ancestor. Laundress/nurse caught fever amongst many others and died in 1863. Reportedly the soldiers thought quite highly of her service and dedication hense she was originally buried in Charleston SC Magnolia cemetery in the soldiers section. However rules are rules, soldiers only... and she was moved to another nearby section of the cemetery. Remained in an unmarked grave till about 2001 when this group reportedly located her grave and had it properly marked with full military honors and fan-faire. Interestingly the stone that was put on it is identical to the standard military VA issued grave stone. Complete with the pointed top and (non-circled) Southern Cross of honor. Identical to all the others. No idea if it actually is a VA issued stone, but sure looks like one...lol..

Frederick