Alabama Department of Veteran Affairs seeking land donation for second state veterans cemetery

ALABAMA (WHNT) — The Alabama Department of Veterans Affairs is asking for the public’s help in identifying property for a state veterans cemetery in North Alabama.

ADVA said Commissioner Jef Newton has met with several state legislators and city and county officials in Madison, Morgan and Limestone counties over the past several months to discuss the importance of having a second state veterans cemetery.

“As we continue our mission to honor and serve Alabama’s veterans and their families, establishing a second state veterans cemetery is a top priority. We are actively seeking a land donation to help make this vision a reality,” Newton said. “A new cemetery in North Alabama would provide easier access to a dignified final resting place for thousands of veterans and their loved ones statewide and ensure they receive the honor and recognition they have earned through their service.”

The department said to move forward with the project, ADVA is looking for the donation of around 110 acres of usable, rolling farmland in North Alabama for the cemetery. ADVA said ideally, they are looking for a location with low traffic and no noise pollution.

ADVA currently operates the Alabama State Veterans Memorial Cemetery at Spanish Fort. The cemetery is a 120-acre facility along Alabama Highway 225 in Baldwin County. ADVA said that the facility was dedicated in December 2012 and began interments in April 2013.

The department said there are a total of 5,000 graves within ground crypts, traditional graves, columbarium niches, and a scatter garden. The lifespan of that entire cemetery is 100 years.