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> FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
>
> June 1, 2008

# Sarasota VA National Cemetery Dedicated

> ***Ground Broken for New Shrine Honoring America's Veterans***
>
> WASHINGTON -- Ground was broken today in Sarasota, Fla., in a ceremony
> dedicating the new Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) National
> Cemetery.
>
> "Serving veterans where they live is a top priority for VA," said
> Secretary of Veterans Affairs Dr. James B. Peake. "By building a
> national shrine in this part of Florida, we will provide a final
> resting place and lasting tribute to the men and women who have
> faithfully served our nation." 
>
> The ceremony included remarks by VA's Under Secretary for Memorial
> Affairs William F. Tuerk and local officials. The dedication plaque
> was unveiled and military honors were performed by a joint service
> firing detail. The ceremony ended with the playing of "Taps."
>
> Located on a 295-acre site in Sarasota County along State Route 72,
> the new cemetery will begin burials late this year. It will be
> available for nearly 400,000 veterans and their family members who
> live in southwestern Florida.
>
> VA selected Sandra M. Beckley as the cemetery's first director. Most
> recently, she served as director at VA's Georgia National Cemetery
> near Atlanta.
>
> VA will begin construction this summer on a 15-acre section.  The
> section will be comprised of 2,000 pre-placed concrete vaults and
> 2,000 sites for in-ground cremated remains. The cemetery staff will
> work initially from a temporary office, a committal service shelter
> and an equipment facility until construction is completed.
>
> The cemetery's remaining 60-acre 10-year construction plan will
> contain 18,200 casket gravesites, including 15,200 pre-placed concrete
> vaults; a 7,000-unit columbarium for cremation remains; 7,500 graves
> for in-ground cremated remains; and a scattering garden.
>
> **-More-**
>
> **Sarasota Cemetery Dedication 2/2/2**
>
> When completed, the new cemetery will include an administration and
> public information complex with an electronic gravesite locator and
> public restrooms; a maintenance facility; entrance and flag assembly
> areas; a memorial walkway; and two committal shelters. Other
> infrastructure elements include roadways, landscaping, utilities and
> irrigation.
>
> Veterans with a discharge other than dishonorable, their spouses, and
> eligible dependent children can be buried in a national cemetery.
> Other burial benefits available for all eligible veterans, regardless
> of whether they are buried in a national cemetery or a private
> cemetery, include a burial flag, a Presidential Memorial Certificate
> and a government headstone or marker.
>
> In the midst of the largest expansion since the Civil War, VA operates
> 125 national cemeteries in 39 states and Puerto Rico and 33 soldiers\'
> lots and monument sites. More than three million Americans, including
> veterans of every war and conflict, are buried in VA's national
> cemeteries on nearly 17,000 acres of land.
>
> Information on VA burial benefits can be obtained from national
> cemetery offices, from the Internet at
> [http://www.cem.va.gov]{.underline} or by calling VA regional offices
> toll-free at (800) 827-1000. For information on the Sarasota VA
> National Cemetery, call the cemetery office at (941) 861-9840 or,
> toll-free, at (877) 861-9840. To make burial arrangements at the time
> of need, call the national cemetery scheduling office at (800)
> 535-1117.

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