How Many Military Cemeteries are There in the United States?
The United States has a rich history of military service, and with that comes the solemn responsibility of honoring the fallen heroes who have made the ultimate sacrifice. Military cemeteries play a crucial role in this endeavor, providing a final resting place for those who have served their country with courage and dedication. But just how many military cemeteries are there in the United States?
The Direct Answer
According to the National Cemetery Administration (NCA), which is a part of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), there are 135 national cemeteries in the United States. These cemeteries are managed by the VA and are available to eligible veterans and their families. However, this number only accounts for national cemeteries, and does not include state and private cemeteries that may also be used for military burials.
National Cemeteries by State
Here is a breakdown of the 135 national cemeteries in the United States, organized by state:
State | Number of National Cemeteries |
---|---|
Alabama | 3 |
Alaska | 2 |
Arizona | 3 |
Arkansas | 2 |
California | 11 |
Colorado | 4 |
Connecticut | 2 |
Delaware | 1 |
Florida | 6 |
Georgia | 4 |
Hawaii | 2 |
Idaho | 2 |
Illinois | 6 |
Indiana | 4 |
Iowa | 3 |
Kansas | 3 |
Kentucky | 4 |
Louisiana | 3 |
Maine | 2 |
Maryland | 2 |
Massachusetts | 2 |
Michigan | 5 |
Minnesota | 3 |
Mississippi | 2 |
Missouri | 4 |
Montana | 2 |
Nebraska | 2 |
Nevada | 2 |
New Hampshire | 1 |
New Jersey | 2 |
New Mexico | 2 |
New York | 4 |
North Carolina | 5 |
North Dakota | 2 |
Ohio | 6 |
Oklahoma | 2 |
Oregon | 2 |
Pennsylvania | 4 |
Rhode Island | 1 |
South Carolina | 3 |
South Dakota | 2 |
Tennessee | 4 |
Texas | 7 |
Utah | 2 |
Vermont | 1 |
Virginia | 4 |
Washington | 3 |
West Virginia | 2 |
Wisconsin | 4 |
Wyoming | 1 |
Other Types of Military Cemeteries
In addition to national cemeteries, there are several other types of military cemeteries in the United States. These include:
- State veterans’ cemeteries: These cemeteries are managed by individual states and are available to eligible veterans and their families.
- Private cemeteries: These cemeteries are managed by private organizations and may offer military burial services to eligible veterans and their families.
- Historic cemeteries: These cemeteries are managed by the National Park Service and are designated as historic sites.
- Confederate cemeteries: These cemeteries are managed by the Sons of Confederate Veterans and are dedicated to the memory of Confederate soldiers.
Significance of Military Cemeteries
Military cemeteries serve several important purposes. They provide a final resting place for those who have served their country, allowing families to visit and pay their respects. They also serve as a reminder of the sacrifices made by those who have served, and help to preserve the history and heritage of the United States.
Conclusion
In conclusion, there are 135 national cemeteries in the United States, managed by the Department of Veterans Affairs. In addition to these national cemeteries, there are also state and private cemeteries that may be used for military burials. These cemeteries are an important part of the United States’ military heritage, and serve as a reminder of the sacrifices made by those who have served their country.
Additional Resources
- National Cemetery Administration: www.cem.va.gov
- Department of Veterans Affairs: www.va.gov
- Sons of Confederate Veterans: www.scv.org
- National Park Service: www.nps.gov
Table: National Cemeteries by State
State | Number of National Cemeteries |
---|---|
Alabama | 3 |
Alaska | 2 |
Arizona | 3 |
Arkansas | 2 |
California | 11 |
Colorado | 4 |
Connecticut | 2 |
Delaware | 1 |
Florida | 6 |
Georgia | 4 |
Hawaii | 2 |
Idaho | 2 |
Illinois | 6 |
Indiana | 4 |
Iowa | 3 |
Kansas | 3 |
Kentucky | 4 |
Louisiana | 3 |
Maine | 2 |
Maryland | 2 |
Massachusetts | 2 |
Michigan | 5 |
Minnesota | 3 |
Mississippi | 2 |
Missouri | 4 |
Montana | 2 |
Nebraska | 2 |
Nevada | 2 |
New Hampshire | 1 |
New Jersey | 2 |
New Mexico | 2 |
New York | 4 |
North Carolina | 5 |
North Dakota | 2 |
Ohio | 6 |
Oklahoma | 2 |
Oregon | 2 |
Pennsylvania | 4 |
Rhode Island | 1 |
South Carolina | 3 |
South Dakota | 2 |
Tennessee | 4 |
Texas | 7 |
Utah | 2 |
Vermont | 1 |
Virginia | 4 |
Washington | 3 |
West Virginia | 2 |
Wisconsin | 4 |
Wyoming | 1 |
Bullets:
- National cemeteries are managed by the Department of Veterans Affairs
- There are 135 national cemeteries in the United States
- National cemeteries are available to eligible veterans and their families
- Other types of military cemeteries include state veterans’ cemeteries, private cemeteries, historic cemeteries, and Confederate cemeteries
- Military cemeteries serve as a final resting place for those who have served their country, and help to preserve the history and heritage of the United States