Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery Gets $2.3 Million in Federal Funds

WILMINGTON, DE – In an effort to provide Delaware veterans with an honorable final resting-place and better maintain the Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery at Bear as a public shrine, the Delaware Congressional delegation today announced a $2.369 million grant for the 52-acre cemetery. The new $2.3 million grant will be used for enhancements and improvements at the cemetery, including the construction, delivery and future installation of more than 6,000 grave liners. “Over the past decade, this cemetery has become an important part of our State’s history. It is a fine tribute to all of the brave Delawareans buried there who selflessly served our country with honor and distinction,” said Senator Biden. “This grant will help ensure that these veterans’ final resting place befits the high caliber of the service they rendered to our great nation.” “The freedom our nation enjoys today exists in no small part because of the triumphs of our veterans. The Veterans Memorial Cemetery honors their lives in a way that few other tributes can,” said Carper, a fellow veteran and retired Navy Captain. “Our veterans have fought for freedom and pursued democracy so we all may live in peace. They deserve a final resting spot that honors them for the heroes they truly are,” said Rep. Castle. Delaware’s Veterans Memorial Cemetery, dedicated on October 15, 1989, was constructed with more than $1.5 million in federal funds. The Department of Veterans Affairs estimates that more than 70,000 veterans currently live in Delaware. In 2001, the Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery at Bear had 651 burials and the Southern Delaware Veterans Cemetery at Stockley had 189 burials.