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ANCIENT ORDER OF UNITED WORKMEN - The Ancient Order of United Workmen (AOUW) was a fraternal organization in the United States and Canada, providing mutual social and financial support after the American Civil War. It was the first of the "fraternal benefit societies", organizations that would offer insurance as well as sickness, accident, death and burial policies.

ANGEL SETTING OR STANDING -  The agents of God, often pointing towards heaven; guardians of the tomb, symbolizing spirituality. Angels are shown in all types of poses with different symbolism.  Two angels commonly identified by the objects they carry: Michael, who bears a sword and Gabriel, who is depicted with a horn are guardians of the tomb.

ANGEL PRAYING - Symbolizes a guardian advocate asking God for mercy on behalf of the deceased.  A guardian angel is an angel that is assigned to protect and guide a particular person, group, kingdom, or country.  Belief in guardian angels can be traced throughout all antiquity. The concept of tutelary angels and their hierarchy was extensively developed in Christianity in the 5th century by Pseudo-Dionysius the Areopagite.  The theology of angels and tutelary spirits has undergone many refinements since the 5th century.

ANGEL, FLYING - Symbol of rebirth and resurrection as well as a guide to heaven.  The angel, or "messenger of God," may appear in many different poses, each with its own individual meaning. An angel with open wings is thought to represent the flight of the soul to heaven. Angels may also be shown carrying the deceased in their arms, as if taking or escorting them to heaven. 

ANCHORS, DOUBLE WITH SHIELD - Emblem for the United States Coast Guard

ANCHORS - Symbol of Hope, Steadfastness and Eternal Life as referenced in the Book of Hebrews.  Anchors are the Emblem of the United States Navy.  Often found on sailors graves but can also be found on Masons graves as anchors are also a Masonic symbol for well-grounded hope.

Heb 6:19 - Which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and stedfast, and which entereth into that within the veil;

AMERICAN LEGION - It is a badge of distinction, honor and service.  It stands for God and Country, and the highest rights of man.  Of its several parts, each has a meaning:

ALPHA AND OMEGA - Are the first and the last letters of the Greek alphabet.  Symbolizing the beginning and the ending of life. This reference appears in the Book of Revelation, where Jesus describes himself as the Alpha and Omega. 

Rev 1:8 - "I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty."

ACORNS & OAK LEAVES -  Oak leaves on gravestones were very popular in the 19th & 20th centuries.  The mighty Oak symbolizes longevity, strength and power.  It also symbolizes eternity, as the Oak produces many Acorns that grow and turn into more Oaks.  

Below is a list of headstone and memorial symbols that can be found across the U.S. and their meanings.  MOST OF THE THESE SYMBOLS (ESPECIALLY MILITARY) ARE NOT FOUND IN GROVE, OK.  (This list is by no means comprehensive and interpretation of symbols may differ from one person or culture to another.)