Turning Hearts Medallion: Everything You Need to Know [2025]

A Turning Hearts medallion is a brass memorial marker placed on graves to honor veterans and family members, featuring a QR code that links to their story. The medallions measure 3 inches in diameter, cost $15-25, and are attached with adhesive backing or screws. Families scan the code to access photos, military records, and memories that preserve their loved one's legacy digitally.

Memorial markers have evolved beyond stone engravings. Modern families want ways to share full life stories, not just dates. Turning Hearts medallions bridge the physical cemetery visit with rich digital memories that future generations can access anywhere, anytime.

What is a Turning Hearts medallion?

A Turning Hearts medallion is a circular brass plaque that attaches to headstones, featuring a QR code that visitors scan with their phones. The code opens a dedicated memorial webpage with photos, biographical information, and stories about the person buried there.

The Turning Hearts Foundation launched the program in 2016 to honor military veterans. Each medallion measures 3 inches in diameter and features the foundation's logo along with the scannable code. The brass construction resists weather damage and maintains its appearance for 20-30 years in outdoor cemetery conditions.

Who qualifies for a medallion

Originally restricted to veterans with honorable discharges, the program now accepts applications for any deceased person. Some local chapters still prioritize veterans, while others accept all memorial requests. Check with your regional Turning Hearts coordinator about specific eligibility requirements in your area.

Applications typically require basic information: full name, birth and death dates, military service branch (if applicable), and a brief biography. Most chapters process applications within 2-4 weeks of submission.

The purpose behind the program

Cemetery headstones have limited space for engraving. A typical headstone shows only a name, dates, and perhaps a short phrase. Turning Hearts medallions solve this limitation by connecting the physical grave to unlimited digital space where families can share the complete story.

Visitors who never knew the deceased can scan the code and learn about their service, family, achievements, and personality. This creates what the foundation calls "interactive genealogy" where cemetery visits become educational experiences rather than simply moments of reflection.

How the QR code system works

The QR code on each medallion links directly to a profile page on the Turning Hearts Foundation website. When someone scans the code with their smartphone camera, they're taken to that person's memorial page without needing to download any special apps.

The foundation hosts these memorial pages indefinitely at no ongoing cost to families. Pages remain accessible as long as the foundation operates, giving families confidence their work preserving memories won't disappear due to expired subscriptions or forgotten accounts.

What visitors see when they scan

Memorial pages typically include a portrait photo, full name, birth and death information, and a biography written by family members. Veterans' pages often feature service branch, rank, units served with, deployments, and medals received.

Families can upload multiple photos showing different life stages. Many pages include wedding photos, military service pictures, family gatherings, and images from favorite hobbies or locations. Some families add scanned documents like discharge papers, newspaper clippings, or handwritten letters.

Privacy and editing access

Family members who create the memorial page receive login credentials to edit content anytime. You can add new photos, update the biography, or remove information as needed. Only people with the login password can make changes, preventing vandalism or unauthorized edits.

The memorial pages are publicly viewable by anyone who scans the medallion or finds the direct URL. There's no option to make pages private or password-protected. This open access aligns with the foundation's mission of sharing stories with cemetery visitors and genealogy researchers.

Cemetery headstones show only dates and names, but QR medallions let families share the complete story of who someone was and how they lived. Turning Hearts Foundation mission statement

Cost and what's included

Turning Hearts medallions cost $15-25 depending on your region and whether you order through a local chapter or directly from the national foundation. This one-time fee includes the brass medallion, mounting hardware, and lifetime hosting of the memorial webpage.

There are no annual fees, subscription costs, or hosting charges. Once you pay for the medallion and create the memorial page, both remain active permanently. This differs from some commercial memorial services that charge monthly or yearly hosting fees.

Additional expenses to consider

The medallion price doesn't cover cemetery fees, which some locations charge for any additions to graves. Urban cemeteries may charge $25-100 for permission to attach markers to existing headstones. Rural and church cemeteries often allow attachments without additional fees.

Professional installation services cost $50-150 if you prefer not to install the medallion yourself. Most families handle installation independently since the process takes under ten minutes with basic tools.

Installation and placement guide

Installing a Turning Hearts medallion requires either strong adhesive or mounting screws, both included with your medallion. The installation method depends on your cemetery's policies and the headstone material.

Most granite and marble headstones work well with either method. Softer stones like limestone may require adhesive-only installation to avoid cracking. Always clean the mounting surface thoroughly before installation to ensure proper adhesion.

1. Check cemetery regulations. Contact the cemetery office to confirm their policy on medallion attachments and preferred installation method.
2. Choose the placement location. Most families position medallions in the lower right corner of the headstone face, 2-3 inches from edges.
3. Clean the mounting area. Use rubbing alcohol and a clean cloth to remove dirt, oils, and residue. Let the surface dry completely.
4. Test the QR code. Scan the medallion before installation to verify the code works and links to the correct memorial page.
5. Apply adhesive or drill pilot holes. For adhesive installation, peel the backing and press firmly for 30 seconds. For screw mounting, use a masonry bit to drill shallow pilot holes.
6. Secure the medallion. Press adhesive medallions firmly or insert screws until snug but not over-tightened. Avoid forcing screws into stone.
7. Verify from scanning distance. Step back 2-3 feet and test that your phone camera can easily detect and scan the QR code.

Best placement practices

Position medallions where they're easily visible and scannable but don't obscure important headstone information. The lower portions of headstones receive less weathering from rain runoff, making them ideal for medallion longevity.

Avoid placing medallions in spots where lawn maintenance equipment might strike them. Leave at least 2 inches from all edges to prevent accidental damage during trimming or edging work.

Seasonal installation considerations

Install medallions when temperatures stay above 50°F for best adhesive bonding. Cold weather prevents proper adhesive curing, which can cause medallions to detach within weeks. If installing during winter in cold climates, choose screw mounting instead.

Spring and fall offer ideal installation conditions with moderate temperatures and lower precipitation. Summer installations work well but avoid days above 85°F when adhesive may become too soft during application.

Creating the digital memorial page

After receiving your medallion, you'll get instructions for creating the associated memorial webpage. The process involves registering the medallion's unique code, uploading photos, and writing biographical content that tells your loved one's story.

Plan to spend 1-3 hours creating a complete memorial page. Gather photos, military records (if applicable), and biographical details before starting. Having everything ready makes the creation process smoother and helps you build a more comprehensive memorial.

Essential elements to include

Start with basic information: full legal name, birth date and location, death date and location. Include nicknames if they were commonly used, as this helps visitors understand who the person was beyond formal records.

Write the biography in a warm, personal tone rather than obituary style. Share personality traits, favorite sayings, hobbies, career highlights, and family relationships. Include specific stories that illustrate character rather than just listing facts.

Photo selection and optimization

Upload 5-10 photos showing different life stages. Include at least one clear portrait for the main profile image. Add photos from military service, weddings, family gatherings, hobbies, and travels when available.

Scan physical photos at 300 DPI resolution for clear display on modern phone screens. The Turning Hearts website accepts JPEG and PNG files up to 5MB each. Larger files may need compression before uploading.

Military service documentation

Veterans' pages benefit from detailed service information. Include branch, entry and discharge dates, highest rank achieved, units served with, deployments, and medals or commendations received.

Upload scans of DD-214 discharge papers, separation documents, or citation certificates if available. Redact sensitive information like Social Security numbers before uploading official documents to public pages.

Alternatives and similar options

Several companies and organizations now offer QR code memorial markers similar to Turning Hearts medallions. These alternatives vary in cost, customization options, hosting terms, and physical marker quality.

The main differences between options involve ongoing costs, design flexibility, and ownership of the memorial content. Some services charge monthly fees while others include lifetime hosting. Understanding these distinctions helps you choose the best fit for your family's needs and budget.

Commercial QR memorial services

For-profit companies like Living Headstones, Memory Of, and Legacy Touch offer QR memorial products with more design options than Turning Hearts. Markers come in various shapes, sizes, and materials including stainless steel, ceramic, and granite inserts.

These services typically charge $30-60 for physical markers plus $5-15 monthly for hosting memorial pages. Annual hosting costs total $60-180, which exceeds the one-time Turning Hearts fee within 2-4 years of use. However, commercial services often provide more advanced features like video uploads, visitor guest books, and custom page designs.

Direct-purchase options

Scan2Remember offers QR memorial plaques that ship within 2-3 business days with no application approval required. The $49.90 price includes free lifetime hosting and full customization control from day one.

Unlike foundation-based programs, direct-purchase services give families immediate access to create and edit memorial pages. This works well when you need a memorial marker quickly for an upcoming service or cemetery dedication.

DIY QR code options

Technically skilled families can create their own QR codes linking to self-hosted memorial websites or social media memorial pages. This approach costs almost nothing for the QR code itself but requires purchasing a separate mounting plaque and managing website hosting.

The challenge with DIY approaches involves long-term maintenance. Free QR code generators may discontinue service, and self-hosted websites require ongoing renewal and technical upkeep. Commercial and foundation services handle these maintenance tasks automatically.

Frequently asked questions

How long do Turning Hearts medallions last outdoors?

Brass medallions typically maintain readability for 20-30 years in outdoor cemetery conditions. The brass construction resists rust and corrosion better than aluminum or plastic alternatives. QR codes remain scannable even as brass develops a natural patina over time. UV exposure and extreme temperature cycling cause the most wear, but quality brass withstands these conditions better than most materials.

Can I order a medallion for someone who wasn't a veteran?

Yes, most Turning Hearts chapters now accept memorial applications for any deceased person, not just military veterans. The program originally focused exclusively on honoring veterans but expanded to include all family members in recent years. Some local chapters still prioritize veteran applications during high-demand periods, but civilian applications are generally accepted within the same 2-4 week processing timeframe.

What happens if the QR code stops working?

The Turning Hearts Foundation maintains QR code links indefinitely as part of their mission. If scanning issues occur, they're usually due to phone camera problems or debris covering the code rather than link failures. Clean the medallion surface with water and a soft cloth if scanning becomes difficult. Contact the foundation if persistent scanning problems occur, as they can verify the code's functionality and provide troubleshooting support.

Can I update the memorial page after creating it?

Yes, families retain permanent editing access to memorial pages through login credentials provided during initial setup. You can add new photos, update biographical information, correct errors, or remove content at any time. There's no limit to the number of edits you can make. Multiple family members can receive editing access by sharing the login credentials, though only one account can be logged in at a time.

Do visitors need a special app to scan the medallion?

No special app is required. Modern smartphones (iPhone iOS 11+ and Android 8+) include built-in QR code scanning through their standard camera apps. Visitors simply open their camera, point it at the medallion, and tap the notification that appears to open the memorial page. Older phones may require a free QR reader app downloaded from their app store, but these apps are simple and widely available.

Will the medallion damage the headstone?

Properly installed medallions don't damage headstones when basic precautions are followed. Adhesive mounting leaves no permanent marks and can be removed if needed, though the adhesive is intentionally very strong. Screw mounting creates small holes, but these are minimal and typically less visible than natural stone imperfections. Use appropriate drill bits designed for stone when creating screw holes, and never over-tighten mounting screws.

How do I replace a medallion if it's damaged or stolen?

Contact the Turning Hearts Foundation or your local chapter coordinator to request a replacement medallion. Replacement costs are typically the same as original medallions ($15-25). The memorial webpage remains active during replacement, so the QR code on your new medallion will link to the same content. If theft is a concern in your area, consider screw mounting rather than adhesive installation for stronger attachment.

Next steps

Turning Hearts medallions offer an affordable way to connect physical graves with digital memories, especially for families comfortable with the 2-4 week application process and standard medallion design. The program works well for veterans and families seeking a foundation-backed, no-subscription memorial solution.

If you need a memorial marker more quickly or want more control over design and content, Scan2Remember provides an alternative with immediate setup and lifetime hosting included. Both approaches honor loved ones by preserving their stories beyond what headstones alone can convey.

The technology behind QR memorial markers continues evolving, but the core purpose remains constant: helping families share complete life stories with future generations who visit cemetery graves. Choose the option that best fits your timeline, budget, and vision for how you want to remember and honor the people you love.