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Building begins on national cemetery in S.C.

Construction is underway for a new national cemetery that is scheduled to open this fall near Fort Jackson, S.C.

The cemetery is one of four that are being built nationwide and will be named the Fort Jackson National Cemetery, according to an Army news release.

The 585-acre piece of land was donated by Fort Jackson.

Veterans Affairs “is keeping its promise to our nation’s veterans by building this new shrine,” Secretary of Veterans Affairs Dr. James B. Peake said in the Army release. “The Columbia area deserves a magnificent, lasting tribute to the service of its military veterans.”

Construction began in July, according to the cemetery’s director, Gene Linxwiler, who said he expects the first burials to take place beginning in November.

VA officials are planning an official dedication ceremony for the $19 million project this fall, but the exact date has not yet been selected.

When the first phases are completed, they will have room for 5,000 full gravesites, 4,200 pre-placed crypts, 5,000 in-ground cremation sites and 2,000 indoor cremation burial sites.

An administration and public information facility, maintenance facility, two committal shelters for interment ceremonies, a flag/assembly area, and supporting infrastructure, including utilities and irrigation, will also be included.

A complete list of who is eligible for burial in a national cemetery can be found on the burial and memorials page of the VA Web site at http://www.cem.va.gov. For more information about the Fort Jackson National Cemetery, call the cemetery staff at (866) 577-5248. To make burial arrangements, call the national scheduling office at (800) 535-1117.