Hayworth Introduces the Memorialize Our Guardsmen and Reservists Act

Press Release

U.S. Rep. Nan Hayworth, M.D. (NY-19) today introduced H.R. 2305, the Memorialize Our Guardsmen and Reservists Act. The legislation would make available for purchase, through the Department of Veterans Affairs, headstones or markers for members of the reserve components who did not serve on active duty. Under current law, these men and women are ineligible to receive a government memorial headstone or marker for their gravesite.

"Like their active duty counterparts, the National Guard and Reserves are indispensible in protecting our nation. A number of Guardsmen and Reservists, who dutifully serve our country for many years, are never called into active duty," Hayworth stated. "These men and women deserve the opportunity to be laid to rest beneath a government memorial headstone or marker. Their honorable service deserves recognition, and headstones and markers should be made available for them. Our bill corrects this inequity."

"Government memorial headstones are a symbol of service and sacrifice for our nation. Our service men and women, active and inactive, have sacrificed their time and efforts for our nation and were separated from their families, friends, and civilian lives," Hayworth continued. "Our reserve components deserve the opportunity to be laid to rest under the same monument as their fellow service members to recognize the commitment they made to serve and defend the United States of America. They share the same spirit of patriotism of the millions who came before and served in hopes no others would need to serve in war."

Hayworth's legislation is supported by the National Guard Association of the United States, Reserve Officers Association and Association of the United States Navy. There is no cost to taxpayers, as the expense of the headstones and foot markers will be covered by those who purchase them.

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