Cape Canaveral National Cemetery opens on the space coast

More than 50 percent of all Veterans living in Florida are older than 65. Some claim that Florida is the most Veteran friendly state while others attribute it to the warmer weather.

Whatever the reasoning, Veterans aren’t keeping it a secret. Nearly ten percent of all Veterans in the country reside in Florida, and that number continues to grow.

With the growing population, VA is also growing its resources within Florida to better serve Veterans.

Cape Canaveral National Cemetery

Three new national cemeteries opened in Florida in the past few years, and Cape Canaveral National Cemetery just became the fourth.

The new 318-acre cemetery in Scottsmoor, Florida, will serve the burial needs of more than 163,000 Veterans and their spouses for the next 100 years.

“This cemetery is strategically located in central east Florida, in the space coast region, and we are honored to serve our local Veterans,” said U.S. Army Veteran and Cape Canaveral National Cemetery director Don Murphy.

Until now, the closest Veterans cemetery for this region was more than two hours away to the north, south or west. Now Veterans and their family members will have a place to honor those they hold most dear closer to home.

The local community has embraced the cemetery and many have been patiently waiting for its opening.

One local Veteran spouse said her husband died five years ago, and her family will now be able to bury his cremated remains him with honor, close to home.

“Fred loved spending time with fellow Veterans, now he will be able to for eternity,” she said with a smile.