Memorializing, honoring Hoosier service members

The bill would allow all family members of military to be buried at Veterans Cemetery

Nestled between the Ohio River and Clifty Falls State Park lies the Indiana Veterans Memorial Cemetery. These grounds in beautiful Madison serve as a final resting place for Hoosier veterans and their families who sacrificed so much for our country.

As the only burial ground in our state dedicated to memorializing those who served, I authored House Bill 1056 to have a second cemetery located in Tippecanoe County designated as a State Veterans Cemetery, as well as expand opportunities for more military members and their loved ones to be forever honored at these sacred grounds.

Currently, veterans not dishonorably discharged, retired National Guard and reservists, those who die in the line of duty, spouses and children under the age of 21 of eligible veterans, and permanent dependents are eligible for a burial at the IVMC. With this honor comes several other benefits, including free burial plots or containers, a monument and use of the chapel. Families can choose from several types of burials to fit their final wishes.

My bill, which received unanimous support, would allow reserve members of the armed forces, members of the Indiana Army National Guard, Indiana Air National Guard and Reserve Officers' Training Corps to be laid to rest at IVMC cemeteries. Spouses, minor children and unmarried adult children of eligible Hoosiers could also rest with their family.

In West Lafayette, over 2,950 veterans and their spouses residing in the Indiana State Soldiers' Home at the time of their passing are laid to rest. With my legislation, this location would be declared a state veterans cemetery, which would pave the way for more of our heroes to be forever memorialized there.

Both grounds, which are open to the public, host several memorials and veteran-related events. Each Memorial Day, Hoosiers gather at the IVMC in Madison to honor our military heroes, and a wreath-laying ceremony takes place every December. These are great opportunities for all Hoosiers to get involved in honoring our heroes. Wreaths Across America is always looking for sponsors, volunteers and donations to help in their worthy mission of setting holiday wreaths at more than 3,700 locations. To learn more, visit wreathsacrossamerica.org.

In Indiana, we value our service members both past and present along with their families. We recognize that these sacred memorials are great reminders of the sacrifices those before us made and of the steep price of the freedoms we enjoy today.

To learn more about my legislation, visit iga.in.gov. To stay in touch, sign up for my e-newsletter at in.gov/h67