MEMPHIS, Tenn. — The West Tennessee State Veterans Cemetery will undergo a multi-million-dollar expansion thanks to a grant from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
Rep. Steve Cohen (D-Dist. 9) and Rep. David Kustoff (R-Dist. 8) made the announcement Thursday, Aug. 8, 2024.
In a news release, the two congressmen said Tennessee is getting a grant of $5,896,203 from the Department of Veterans Affairs to expand the cemetery on Forest Hill Irene Rd. They said the state would also be reimbursed $4,095,510 for the cost of burial receptacles for the project.
The expansion will include 6,470 pre-placed crypts, 880 columbarium niches, and landscaping and irrigation.
“Our service members sacrifice so much to protect our nation and defend our freedom,” said Kustoff. “We have an obligation to take care of our veterans in life and in death. I am pleased to see this funding go towards honoring our nation’s heroes.”
“Expanding the West Tennessee State Veterans Cemetery with federal funds is the right thing to do considering the needs and expectations of our veterans and their families,” said Cohen. “It will help to ensure that veterans who want their final resting place to be with their brothers and sisters in arms have that wish honored.”
