The site for the Interior Alaska Veterans Cemetery, a state-run veterans cemetery under development, in 2024. The cemetery will have sites for up to 15,000 veterans and family members when it opens in late 2028. (Julie Avey/Alaska Air National Guard)
WASHINGTON — As an aging generation of Vietnam War veterans dies in increasing numbers, state-run veterans cemeteries are running out of space to accommodate them.
The Department of Veterans Affairs just awarded $77 million to cover the costs of adding thousands of interment sites at state-owned veterans cemeteries near capacity and to open Alaska’s first state veterans cemetery.
An estimated 500 Vietnam War-era veterans die each day, according to the military. Many veterans are in their mid-70s and older, with families typically handling the funeral arrangements.
To meet the demand for more interment space, the VA has requested funds in recent years to help offset costs by states to develop and expand cemeteries that are near population centers.
In Alaska, the state received a $16 million VA grant to develop a veterans cemetery that is a short drive from Fairbanks and near Eielson Air Force Base.
Twenty other state veterans cemeteries — from North Carolina to Texas — will undertake major expansions at veterans cemeteries as the demand for space grows.
Burial sites and headstones at state-owned cemeteries are provided at no cost. The burial grounds often are close to highway systems, making them convenient for families to visit.
“Veterans cemeteries keep the memories of America’s heroes alive,” said Doug Collins, the VA secretary and a military chaplain.
The VA’s National Cemetery Administration reimburses states for building, improving and expanding their veteran cemeteries.
Nearly 40,000 veterans and their dependents were interred last year at state veteran cemeteries.
In Alaska, the Interior Alaska Veterans Cemetery is being developed at a former family homestead on 257 acres. The cemetery is expected to open in 2028 and will have up to 15,000 interment sites.
Major expansions of state veterans cemeteries also are underway in many other states with support from VA grants.
The VA awarded $3 million to add space at the Arizona Veterans’ Memorial Cemetery, in Marana, and at the Southern Arizona Veterans’ Memorial Cemetery, in Sierra Vista. More than 100,000 veterans are interred at each of those cemeteries.
The Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery, in Killeen, received nearly $13 million to expand its burial grounds, which today serve 221,000 veterans and family members.
An estimated 11,000 sites for cremated remains are being developed, enabling veterans and their family members to be interred near each other, according to Texas officials.
Spouses, minor children and dependent adult children with disabilities often are eligible for interment at state veterans cemeteries. Each state has its own terms and conditions, according to the VA.
In Kansas, the VA awarded nearly $1 million for expansion and improvements at the state-run cemetery in Winfield.
The Kansas Veterans Cemetery received funds to build and place columbarium niches, which are recessed areas for cremation urns. The cemetery already has sites for 58,000 veterans and their family members.
The Arkansas State Veterans Cemetery in North Little Rock received more than $500,000 from the Department of Veterans Affairs for an expansion. The cemetery has sites for more than 93,000 veterans and family members. (Arkansas National Guard)
Families pay their respects on Memorial Day 2020 at the Arkansas State Veterans Cemetery in North Little Rock. Many state-run veteran cemeteries are near capacity and have received federal funds for expansions. (U.S. Congress)
The Arkansas State Veterans Cemetery at North Little Rock received more than $500,000 for an expansion. The cemetery now serves more than 93,000 veterans and family members.
In North Carolina, three state-run veteran cemeteries received funds for large expansions. The additional space will be for placement of cremated remains.
The Sandhills State Veterans Cemetery, in Spring Lake, received $3.3 million to cover the costs of columbarium niches. The cemetery already accommodates more than 257,000 veterans and their family members.
The Coastal Carolina State Veterans Cemetery, in Jacksonville, was awarded $811,000 for a similar expansion. The cemetery now has sites for more than 134,000 veterans.
The Eastern Carolina State Veterans Cemetery, in Goldsboro, where more than 290,000 veterans are interred, received more than $600,000 for more space.
