A National Cemetery within the National Park System refers to a cemetery that is operated and maintained by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and is designated as a national cemetery. These cemeteries are established and managed to provide a final resting place for eligible members of the U.S. Armed Forces, veterans, and their eligible dependents.
National Cemeteries are distinct from other cemeteries as they are specifically dedicated to honoring and memorializing the men and women who have served in the military. They serve as solemn and dignified locations for burials and act as national shrines that pay tribute to the sacrifices and service of those who have protected the nation.
The National Park Service, which is responsible for managing and preserving national parks and other significant sites, also plays a role in the National Cemetery System. Some national cemeteries are designated as units of the National Park System and are administered in partnership between the VA and the NPS. These cemeteries may have historical or cultural significance in addition to their primary function as burial grounds.
The National Cemetery System is an important part of the nation's heritage, and it provides a way to honor and remember those who have served the country.
There are 19 parks designated as National Cemetery: