Martinez: Jacksonville Cemetary Will Honor Our Veterans

Press Release

MARTINEZ: JACKSONVILLE CEMETERY WILL HONOR OUR VETERANS

U.S. Senator Mel Martinez (R-FL) today offered praise and congratulations for the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) groundbreaking and dedication ceremony for the new Jacksonville National Cemetery.

"Today we are one step closer to providing a final resting place in this region for those brave men and women who've proudly served our nation," Martinez said. "This long awaited cemetery will ensure that the families of our nation's veterans will have a better opportunity to be closer to their loved ones who have passed. I commend officials at the VA, my fellow members of Congress, and a vibrant and active veteran community for helping bring this hope to fruition. I look forward to the completion of a cemetery that will truly honor our veterans and their service."

The new 526-acre national cemetery in Jacksonville, Fla., will serve veterans' burial needs for at least the next 100 years. The cemetery is located north of the Jacksonville International Airport and approximately five miles from Interstate 295. The initial construction will consist of a 20-acre early burial area with temporary facilities and will be followed by the second stage of the construction project. When completed, the 52-acre Phase 1 development will provide 8,145 full-casket gravesites, including 7,300 pre-placed crypts, 5,100 in-ground cremation sites and 4,992 columbarium niches.

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