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REPUBLICAN PRESS RELEASE

May 8, 2007

“Veterans Cemeteries: Honoring Those Who Served”

By For More Information Contact Jeff Phillips at (202) 225-3527

Washington, D.C. — Today, the Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs took a close look at the nation’s most solemn and sacred obligation - how our deceased veterans and their families are being honored in national veterans cemeteries operated by the Department of Veterans Affairs, the Department of the Army, and the Department of the Interior.

Among those testifying were the Chairman of the American Battle Monuments Commission, established by Congress in 1932 to establish and maintain ’s overseas commemorative cemeteries and memorials. The Subcommittee also heard testimony from the Under Secretary of VA for the National Cemetery Administration (NCA). VA currently operates 125 national cemeteries in 39 states with several more to open by 2010.

“These patriots have earned honored repose in a national shrine. They and their families are due a final tribute and thanks of a grateful nation,” said Ranking Member Doug Lamborn ( Colo. ).

It is VA’s goal to have a national cemetery accessible for 90 percent of all veterans and their families within a 75 mile radius of their homes. The Department’s major construction program is moving towards that goal.

The graying of the veteran’s population is increasing the demand on the national cemetery system and VA estimates that the total number of veterans interred in national cemeteries will rise from the current level of 2.8 million to 3.2 million by 2012.

“Mr. Chairman, if it is within the capacity of Congress to help ensure that any national cemetery now deficient rises to the highest standards, we must not delay in that work,” Lamborn said.

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Larry Scott

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