07.01.16

Hoeven: Department of Veterans Affairs to Open First VA National Cemetery in North Dakota

VA Purchases Land in Cass County to Serve More Than 24,000 Veterans and Their Families

WASHINGTON – Senator John Hoeven today announced that the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has purchased 4.82 acres of land in Cass County, ND, and will open the first VA national cemetery in North Dakota. The cemetery, which is being developed under the VA’s Rural Initiative, will serve approximately 24,388 veterans, their spouses and eligible family members located within a 75-mile radius of Fargo.

“North Dakotans have a long and proud tradition of serving in our nation’s armed forces,” Hoeven said. “The new VA national cemetery will allow our state’s veterans to be laid to rest close to their homes and loved ones, helping to ensure they receive the recognition they deserve for their selflessness and service in life.”

The new cemetery will complement the North Dakota Veterans Cemetery in Mandan, ND, a state-operated cemetery. Burial in a VA national cemetery is open to all members of the armed forces and veterans who have met minimum active duty service requirements and were discharged under conditions other than dishonorable. Members of the reserve components of the armed forces who die while on active duty, while on training duty, or were eligible for retired pay, or were called to active duty and served the full term of service, may also be eligible for burial. Their spouse, widow or widower, minor children, and, under certain conditions, unmarried adult children with disabilities, may also be eligible for burial.

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