“This
is outstanding news for Florida’s 1.7 million veterans who have waited
so long and worked so hard for this cemetery.
I commend Lt. Col. Robin Higgins, the Executive Director of the
Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs, for her tireless efforts; she
made this cemetery for our veterans her highest federal priority,”
said Governor Bush. “I
also express my gratitude to Congressman Bill Young for his leadership
and all of Florida’s Congressional delegation for their support of
this important project.”
For
the past 13 years, South Florida has been on the U.S. Department of
Veterans’Affairs’ priority list for a new National Cemetery, yet one
has never been built. There
are nearly 500,000 veterans in the ten counties of south Florida who
will potentially be served by this new National Cemetery.
“We
are so pleased that Congress has approved the $15 million needed to
purchase the land for a National Cemetery, “ said Lt. Col. Higgins.
"This new cemetery will reflect the fulfillment of our country’s
promise to provide a hallowed resting place for the men and women who
served our country with honor and distinction.”
The
VA will complete environmental impact studies on two final sites within
the next sixty days. Once President Clinton signs the bill, a final site
will be chosen and purchased early next year.
The Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs will be working
with the U.S. Department of Veterans’ Affairs and Congress to secure
the actual construction funds for South Florida’s new National
Cemetery.
The
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs currently operates 119 National
Cemeteries across the country. There
are currently four National Cemeteries in Florida:
the Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell, the Barrancas National
Cemetery in Pensacola, the Bay Pines National Cemetery in St.
Petersburg, and the St. Augustine National Cemetery in St. Augustine. St. Augustine is closed and Bay Pines is only accepting
cremated remains.
# # #
Learn more about the VA's cemetery system,
what your burial rights are as a veteran,
and how to access those rights:
National
Cemetery Administration
For info on Florida's other National
Cemeteries:
Barrancas National Cemetery
Naval Air Station
Pensacola, FL 32508-1099
(850) 452-3357 or 4196
Burial
Records OnLine
Bay Pines National Cemetery
P. O. Box 477
Bay Pines, FL 33504-0477
For information please contact:
Florida National Cemetery (352) 793-7740
Burial
Records OnLine
Florida National Cemetery
6502 SW 102nd Avenue
Bushnell, FL 33513
(352) 793-7740 or 1074
St. Augustine National Cemetery
104 Marine Street
St. Augustine, FL 32084
For information please contact:
Florida National Cemetery (352) 793-7740
Burial
Records OnLine
