FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Thursday, September 15, 2005
Contact: Jessica Robinson, 573-751-0290
Blunt Announces almost $1 Million Grant for Veterans Cemetery
JEFFERSON CITY—Gov. Matt Blunt announced that the United States Department of Veterans Affairs has awarded the Missouri State Veterans Cemetery in Springfield an $843,966 grant to help fund construction of a columbarium, an above ground memorial that holds cremated remains.
Construction of the 856-niche columbarium is 70 percent complete. The commission hopes to finalize the columbarium by the end of the year.
The Veterans Cemetery in Springfield was established on Nov. 6, 1999 with the first burial on Jan. 20, 2000. The cemetery is roughly 60 acres with room for approximately 30,000 gravesites.
The Missouri Veterans Commission is comprised of five members appointed by the governor with the consent of the Senate. The commission appoints an executive director and is involved with Veterans services, Veterans Homes and Veterans Cemeteries programs.
For more information on the Missouri Veterans Commission and the services they offer visit their website at www.mvc.dps.mo.gov
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