WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs National Cemetery Administration is partnering with several nonprofit organizations throughout May to host volunteer events and memorial activities honoring veterans buried in the nation’s 157 VA national cemeteries ahead of Memorial Day.
The VA said more than 70,000 volunteers are expected to participate in activities at more than 100 national cemeteries during what the agency calls “Memorial May.” The effort includes partnerships with Carry The Load, Travis Manion Foundation and Victory for Veterans.
Sam Brown encouraged Americans to participate in events commemorating military service and sacrifice.
“As we mark the 250th anniversary of our nation’s founding, the sacrifices of these heroes remind us that liberty is never free and must be cherished and protected by every generation,” Brown said.
The VA said this marks the ninth consecutive year of collaboration with Carry The Load, the fifth year with the Travis Manion Foundation and the third year with Victory for Veterans.
Carry The Load plans marches in 75 locations nationwide, including events at Tahoma National Cemetery, Los Angeles National Cemetery and Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery. The organization also will host its annual Dallas Memorial March on May 24 along the Katy Trail.
The Travis Manion Foundation’s Honor Project will place volunteers at more than 30 VA national cemeteries during Memorial Day weekend to visit gravesites and place commemorative tokens honoring fallen service members.
Victory for Veterans said its volunteers plan to place more than 27,000 flowers on graves at 10 VA national cemeteries, two state veterans cemeteries and one private cemetery this year. More than 400 volunteers are expected to participate.
The VA also promoted its Veterans Legacy Memorial online platform, which allows family members and the public to post tributes, photos and biographies honoring deceased veterans. According to the department, the memorial contains more than 10.5 million pages dedicated to veterans and eligible family members.
The National Cemetery Administration said more than 5.75 million people, including 4.1 million veterans from conflicts ranging from the American Revolutionary War through the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, are interred in VA national cemeteries.
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