National Cemetery Administration

[Bluehawk]

A few "FAQ" answers...

DISABLED AMERICAN VETERANS
Building Better Lives for America's Disabled Veterans
__________________________________________________ _____

National Cemeteries a Sacred Trust

As America remembers and honors its fallen heroes on Memorial Day, the commemoration often includes a visit to a national cemetery. Whether part of a formal ceremony or a private gathering at the gravesite of a loved one, it is a moving experience.


"Our national cemeteries are more than the final place of honor for our veterans," said National Adjutant Arthur H. Wilson. "They are hallowed ground not only to those who died in our defense, but also those who survived. Their lives are testament to the values they fought for."


"Since last Memorial Day, we have had to bury a number of veterans who were not supposed to die so soon," said the VA's Under Secretary for Memorial Affairs Robin L. Higgins. "They join the noble ranks of those who gave their lives throughout our history and those who died this year having lived long lives."


The origins of our national cemetery system date back to the Civil War. On July 17, 1862, Congress enacted legislation authorizing the President to purchase "cemetery grounds" to be used as national cemeteries "for soldiers who shall have died in the service of the country." Fourteen cemeteries were established that year.


Soon after the war ended, Army crews scoured the countryside to locate the remains of Union soldiers who died in battle. They were reburied with honor in national cemeteries. By 1870, the remains of nearly 300,000 Union dead had been buried in 73 national cemeteries. Most were located in the Southeast, near the battlefields and campgrounds of the Civil War. Tragically, however, the identities of nearly half of the Union soldiers buried in national cemeteries are unknown.


It was in 1873 that all honorably discharged veterans became eligible for burial in national cemeteries. The National Cemetery Administration has evolved slowly since the initial period of great challenge associated with the Civil War.


The national cemetery system was administered by the Army until 1973 when the VA assumed responsibility for veterans burial benefits.


Today, more than 140 years after the first national cemeteries were established, the National Cemetery Administration is responsible for 120 national cemeteries in 39 states and Puerto Rico, as well as 33 soldiers' lots and monument sites. More than two million Americans, including veterans of every war and conflict--from the Revolutionary War to the Gulf War--are honored by burial in VA's national cemeteries. Nearly 14,000 acres of land from Hawaii to Maine, and from Alaska to Puerto Rico are devoted to the memorialization of those who served this grateful nation.


The State Cemetery Grants Program was established in 1978 to complement VA's National Cemetery Administration. The program assists states in providing gravesites for veterans in those areas where VA's national cemeteries cannot fully satisfy their burial needs.


Grants may be used only for the purpose of establishing, expanding, or improving veterans cemeteries that are owned and operated by a state or U.S. territory. The administration, operation, and maintenance of a VA-supported state cemetery are solely the responsibility of the state.


Today, more than 25 million veterans, including Reservists and National Guard members with at least 20 years qualifying service have earned the honor of burial in a national cemetery. Veterans with discharges "other than dishonorable," their spouses, and dependent children may be eligible for burial in a VA national cemetery. Those who die on active duty also may be buried in a national cemetery.


"The 1,430 employees of the National Cemetery Administration ensure that every day is Memorial Day by ensuring dignity and peace to our honored dead," said Ms. Higgins.


In addition to providing a gravesite and graveliner, the VA opens and closes the grave, provides a headstone or marker, a Presidential Memorial Certificate, and a U.S. flag and perpetually cares for the grave at no cost to the veteran's family or heirs.


For more information or to confirm eligibility, contact the nearest national cemetery or VA regional office. Information also is available on the National Cemetery Administration's home page at www.cem.va.gov.

[Woodmonkey]

Thank you for this thread, Sir Blue. We have a lovely veterans' cemetary not far from me, Willamette. I've been to a couple of funerals there.