What does the term "grave marker" refer to?

The term "grave marker" refers specifically to an object placed at a grave. This object serves as a means of identifying and commemorating the individual buried at that site. Grave markers can vary in style and material, ranging from simple flat stones to elaborate headstones with inscriptions that often include the deceased's name, dates of birth and death, and sometimes additional personal sentiments or symbols. This identification is important for family members and visitors who wish to pay their respects.

Other options, while related to funerary practices and cemeteries, do not accurately define a "grave marker." For instance, a burial vault is a type of container that holds the casket and is designed to protect it from the elements and to stabilize the ground above. A memorial service program is a printed document that outlines the details of a service held in honor of the deceased, including speakers, music, and readings. A section of a cemetery refers to a designated area that may contain multiple graves or markers but does not specifically identify an individual grave. Thus, the definition of a grave marker focuses solely on the object placed at the grave for identification and remembrance.