Memorial Affairs

This Saturday, Dec. 16, volunteers will place holiday wreaths to honor and remember America’s Veterans at more than 100 VA national cemeteries as part of the annual Wreaths Across America event.

“Everyone was ready to get back to work. Everyone wanted to continue our mission as quickly as possible.”

“Every person can recognize the tune within the first three notes. When you hear the music, it brings you back to the very first time you heard it.”

Across the country this week, more than 2000 community members and volunteers stepped up to help 45 VA National Cemeteries maintain their grounds while honoring the final resting places of our nations military.

VA's National Cemetery Administration welcomed two cadets from the United States Military Academy at West Point this summer who will assist cemetery directors in service and outreach programs that connect Veteran legacy in the cemeteries with the community.

In partnership with the Parent Help Center, parents are learn new coping skills, while children learn about responsibility and consequences in an austere and sacred environment.

Eleven of this year’s graduates are Veterans who represent the Army, Marine Corps and Air Force.

For the students who produced their videos at a VA national cemetery, this project was more than just a final grade; it was also about honoring the Veterans who came before them.

Loudon Park National Cemetery, now a VA national cemetery and historical site, was originally a military cemetery established in 1862 during the Civil War.

The Veterans Legacy Program is changing how Americans connect with their history. Through the program, the VA’s is forging partnerships with academic institutions to engage students and their professors in discovering the stories of service and sacrifice found in VA’s national cemeteries.

I have known a young soldier from the Bronx who ran out into an open field to save one of his brothers lying wounded on the battlefield. I have seen a soldier sacrifice his own life when he threw his fellow soldier to the ground and used his own body to protect him from the full blast of a rocket propelled grenade. These men were heroes.

It has been said, "poor is the Nation that has no heroes, but beggared is the Nation that has and forgets them." Visiting our national cemeteries is a way of remembering our heroes.