(22 News WWLP) Holyoke — Gov. Maura Healey visited Agawam on Thursday to announce the beginning of a land acquisition process aimed at expanding the Massachusetts Veterans Memorial Cemetery and preserving burial opportunities for future generations of veterans.
Healey was joined by state Sen. John Velis, representatives from the Massachusetts Executive Office of Veterans Services, local officials, and veterans advocates to mark the next step in the cemetery’s expansion. The announcement follows a $700,000 bond authorization secured by Velis earlier this spring to support the expansion effort.
State officials say the funding and land acquisition process will help move plans forward to ensure the cemetery can continue serving veterans and their families throughout western Massachusetts.
“Ensure that future generations of Massachusetts veterans have access to the burial benefits and recoignition that they’ve earned. Our veterans have answered a call, a call to serve our country and we owe it to them and their families to make sure that we’re prepared to honor that service long into the future,” Governor Healey said.
The Massachusetts Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Agawam provides a final resting place for eligible veterans, recognizing their military service and offering families a place to honor their loved ones.
The proposed expansion is intended to preserve the cemetery’s long-term capacity as officials plan for the future burial needs of the region’s veteran population.
While the land acquisition process is now beginning, officials have not announced a timeline for completing the expansion.
State and local leaders say they will continue exploring opportunities to support the cemetery’s long-term future and maintain access to burial services for veterans and their families across western Massachusetts.
Read full article here.