Glennville is the site of the Georgia Veterans Memorial Cemetery, which opened on November 28, 2007, with a dedication ceremony. This is the second veterans cemetery in Georgia owned by the state, with the first one built in Milledgeville in 2001.
The total area at the Hwy. 301 N. site covers 43 acres. The initial phase includes 26 acres in a peaceful setting among a grove of shady pecan trees. This initial development of the cemetery provides 2000 casket grave sites, 350 in-ground cremation burial sites, and over 1000 columbarium niches, and also a garden for the scattering of cremated remains.
A flag based main entrance leads from the highway past a Visitors’ Center/Administration Building to a flag decorated ceremonial area with emblems of the branches of service, a carillon (bell tower), and an enclosed committal shelter (chapel).
State veterans cemeteries are part of the Veterans Affairs (VA) national cemetery system. The burial of a veteran and his/her spouse in state veterans cemeteries is governed by the same regulations as the national cemeteries.
The Georgia Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Glennville, like the one in Milledgeville, will provide a fitting final resting place for all Georgia veterans with the exception of those who have been dishonorably discharged.
The U. S. Department of Veterans Affairs has projected the number of veterans who will die in 2008 to reach almost 620,000. Each day it is estimated that about 1000 World War II veterans are dying nationwide.
Currently, about 770,000 veterans make their home in Georgia and this number will likely rise with the attraction of the coastal area for retirees.
There is no cost for the plot, vault, grave maker, or use of the committal chapel for the interment service for an eligible veteran or spouse.
The Veterans Service Office is located in the Visitors’ Center/Administration Building (phone 654-5159). Richard Dunlop is the Director of the Cemetery in Glennville and Ernie Cowart is the Assistant Director. Phone number for the Cemetery is 654-5398.
Submitted by Pam Waters with the Glennville Sentinel
