December 11, 2008
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Crenshaw Speaks at Jacksonville National Cemetery Groundbreaking and Dedication Ceremony

Congressman Championed Effort to Secure Funding for Northeast Florida’s New Veterans’ Cemetery


September 21, 2008


JACKSONVILLLE, FL -- Today Congressman Ander Crenshaw joined with fellow Congressional colleagues, local leaders, and Northeast Florida veterans and residents in breaking ground and dedicating the new Jacksonville National Cemetery.  

Rep. Crenshaw said, “This national cemetery has been a dream of mine since I first went to Congress.  It’s been a long, hard road, but this dream is almost a reality.  I can think of nothing more fitting than to give the veterans in our community a final resting place that is worthy of their service and their sacrifice.”

In November 2003, Congressman Crenshaw and his colleagues passed H.R. 1516 which authorized the Jacksonville National Cemetery.  This legislation was the first of many steps in this process including the final acquisition of 525 acres of land from the City of Jacksonville.  The memorial grounds are in close proximity to the Jacksonville International Airport and the first phase of development is scheduled to be completed later this winter.    

Crenshaw and his colleagues on the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Military Construction and Veterans’ Affairs worked hard to ensure that over $29 million was dedicated for the acquisition and construction of the cemetery.  

Today’s ceremony included a ceremonial ground breaking, the unveiling of a dedication plaque and military honors.  When completed, the first phase of the project will provide 7,500 full casket and 5,000 cremation gravesites.

“I am never more proud than when I am able to serve the veterans of this nation.  I will always remember that the greatness of America is drawn from the blood and sacrifice of the men and women that have gone before us and the men and women that defend our country today,” concluded Rep. Crenshaw.  

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September 2008 Press Releases



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