Sens. Lautenberg, Menendez Applaud Funding to Expand and Improve Veterans Cemetery in Wrightstown

Press Release

U.S. Senators Frank R. Lautenberg (D-NJ) and Robert Menendez (D-NJ) applauded the award by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) of $10.8 million to expand and improve the Brigadier General William C. Doyle Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Wrightstown. New Jersey's federal veterans cemeteries are stretched to capacity, and as a result state veterans cemeteries, with support from the federal government, are often the only choice for veterans and their families.

"Federal support for the Doyle Veterans Cemetery is one way that we can honor New Jersey veterans for their service to our country. Our veterans and their families have made incredible contributions and sacrifices, and they deserve the peace of mind to know that they will be taken care of at the end of their days," said Senator Lautenberg, an Army veteran and member of the Senate Appropriations Committee.

"It has been a priority of mine to make sure that the care and resources we allocate for veterans cemeteries reflect our deep gratitude for the sacrifices our brave servicemen and women have made on behalf of our nation," said Senator Menendez. "This investment honors our New Jersey veterans by ensuring that they and their families are provided quality services and a dignified final resting place."

The Brigadier General William C. Doyle Veterans Memorial Cemetery will use the funding to expand the 250 acre cemetery, with plans for up to 10,750 double crypts and 4,800 columbariums. The cemetery averages 15 burials a day.

The VA's Veterans Cemetery Grants Program awards grants to establish, expand, improve, operate and maintain 88 Veterans cemeteries in 43 states and territories including tribal trust lands, Guam, and Saipan. These cemeteries provided more than 29,000 burials in 2011.

Veterans with a discharge issued under conditions other than dishonorable, who die while on active duty or who serve a period of active duty service as required by law, their spouses, and eligible dependent children may be buried in a state veterans cemetery.

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