EXETER, RI – In an effort to honor our veterans and provide them with a fitting final resting place, U.S. Senator Jack Reed today announced that Rhode Island will receive $1.1 million to improve operations and maintenance at the Rhode Island Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Exeter.  This grant was awarded through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Veterans Cemetery Grants Program.

"I am pleased that the federal government is providing this funding to improve the hallowed grounds of the Rhode Island Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Exeter," said Reed, a member of the Appropriations subcommittee that oversees federal spending on veterans programs.  "Our veterans have served with great distinction and it is imperative that we honor their sacrifices.  This grant will help enhance the final resting place for those who served."

In 2007, Reed helped secure over $5.7 million to expand and renovate the cemetery.  This money supported the construction of the new Administration and Honor Guard building, a public information center and restroom access kiosk, one thousand ninety new cremation niches, and the widening of the main entrance road.  This new funding will enhance the day-to-day operations of the cemetery.

The Rhode Island Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Exeter spans 265 acres and is one of the most active veterans cemeteries in the country.  It serves as a final resting place for Rhode Island veterans who have served their country honorably during wartime and their eligible dependents.  The grounds of the cemetery include a number of memorials dedicated to veterans of specific wars and conflicts.

Over 20,000 veterans and their eligible dependents are interred at the Rhode Island Veterans Memorial Cemetery.