Just under four million dollars in federal funding is coming to New York’s first Veteran’s Cemetery.
Located at the former Sampson Naval Training Station and Air Force base, the Romulus cemetery will use the money to ensure the property is maintained to the highest standards and allow for its expansion.
“Our veterans give so much for us, it is only right they have a dedicated, dignified space to rest,” Governor Hochul said. “The establishment of this cemetery is a proud achievement of my administration, and I am thankful for my partners who have made this possible. This federal funding will ensure the cemetery is maintained to the highest standards as it so rightfully should.”
The cemetery is overseen by the New York State Department of Veterans’ Services and occupies 162 acres along Seneca Lake. Sampson became the Empire State’s first veteran’s cemetery in February.
The $3.951 million in funding comes from the National Cemetery Administration.
New York State Department of Veterans’ Services Commissioner Viviana DeCohen said, “There is no higher honor than to ensure that each New Yorker who has served in our nation’s military is laid to rest in the dignified manner that their service and sacrifice merits. The New York State Veterans Cemetery – Finger Lakes guarantees that all New Yorkers who have served will have a place where they can receive their final honors on hallowed ground with a rich legacy of military service. We are immensely grateful to Governor Hochul, to all who have maintained this cemetery in Seneca County throughout its years of existence, and to our partners at the National Cemetery Administration in all of their efforts to reach this important moment.”
U.S. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said, “The New York State Veterans Cemetery – Finger Lakes is hallowed ground for thousands of American heroes who defended our nation. After standing shoulder to shoulder with our veteran advocates earlier this year to secure the critical funding needed for cemetery expansions and improvements, I’m proud today to help deliver a total of $4 million, an increase of more than forty percent of the original federal funding for New York’s first-ever State Veterans Cemetery. Our veterans protected our freedoms, and this funding will honor their service by ensuring a fitting final resting place for the brave men and women and their families who served our country.”
Representative Joe Morelle said, “Our veterans and their families have given everything in defense of our great nation, and they deserve to be memorialized in a final resting place befitting of their service. Considering the birthplace of Memorial Day was in nearby Waterloo, I can think of few locations in the Finger Lakes Region better suited for this honor–and we should do everything possible to preserve it. I’m proud to see this level of federal funding to expand and improve on our area’s veteran’s cemetery, and grateful to Governor Hochul for her support of our military.”Chairman Seneca County Board of Supervisors Michael Enslow said, “We are pleased to hear that the National Cemetery Administration is investing $3.91 million in grant funding into the state’s first Veteran’s Cemetery here in Seneca County in Romulus, NY. It’s truly honorable to see the hard work of so many continued. This funding will ensure that we are able to carry on the recognition of those veterans that have served & paid the ultimate sacrifice for our country.“
Seneca County Manager Kyle Lovell said, “Today we honor our nation’s heroes by investing $3.91 million in grants to help sustain and improve the New York State Veterans Cemetery in Romulus. This generous grant from the National Cemetery Administration will help us to ensure the sacrifices of our veterans are forever memorialized and their legacy cherished. I am tremendously grateful to be a part of Seneca County’s continued dedication to honoring our veterans, and this grant will help ensure that the New York State Veterans Cemetery will stand as a lasting tribute to those who served our nation with valor and honor.”
