Groundbreaking ceremonies were held Friday for a new state veterans cemetery in Grand Island, the fourth veterans cemetery in Nebraska but just the second after Alliance operated by the state.
Construction is set to start next week with plans to open in the spring of 2025.
Governor Jim Pillen told the audience it was “a ‘warm your heart,’ goosebump moment day” because it is “So important that we Nebraskans take time to say ‘thank you’ to all of our veterans for their incredible sacrifice; and that we take steps further, making this investment so that all veterans have an extraordinary place of honor.”
The cemetery will incorporate the existing historic 7-acre Grand Island Veterans Memorial Cemetery, which had operated in conjunction with the now closed State Veterans Home in Grand Island.
The Nebraska Department of Veterans’ Affairs received nearly $8.4 million for the construction and renovations needed to expand the complex to 27-acres. The cemetery will feature an administrative and maintenance building, committal service shelter, a memorial wall and walk and more.
The cemetery’s primary service area spans a 75 mile radius from Grand Island, but will accept veterans from across Nebraska and the nation. Local Veterans Service Officer Don Schuda said “Providing them an eternal resting place in this hallowed ground. It’s just such an honor to be a small part of that.”
Nebraska U-S Senator Deb Fischer, a senior member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, says the new Veterans Cemetery in Grand Island “will provide a fitting location to honor these heroes and stand as a solemn tribute to their patriotism and service.,”