Cemetery Profiles
Learn about the national cemeteries where many of the veterans in our films are at final rest. See the diverse landscapes and majestic monuments that define America’s national cemeteries. What is the meaning behind various headstones, markers, and medallions? What is a Battle Field Monument? Meet the people that steward our national cemeteries. Most interestingly, learn about some of the quiet professionals buried in these hollowed grounds, as well as some of the more unique – and even controversial – internments.
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Cemetery Profile: Riverside National Cemetery
Riverside National Cemetery, once a WWII training ground, has evolved into America's largest National Cemetery, a sanctuary symbolizing honor and sacrifice. This revered site is distinguished by its Cypress trees, each representing a Medal of Honor recipient, standing as a living testament to the...
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Field Notes: Cape Canaveral National - Cemetery Representative
Andrea Dockstader, a retired Chief Navy Officer, channels her service into a fulfilling role as a Cemetery Representative at National Cemeteries, finding profound satisfaction in aiding families and ensuring veterans receive dignified, cost-free burials, thereby continuing her commitment to honor...
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Field Notes: Cape Canaveral National - First Burials
As the director of Cape Canaveral National Cemetery from 2014 to 2021, Don Murphy passionately transformed the property into a National Cemetery, demonstrating a steadfast commitment to honoring veterans through dedicated service from its inception to the first internments and beyond.
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Field Notes: Cape Canaveral National - Caisson Team
Tom Fitzgerald honors veterans by facilitating traditional caisson escorts at the nearby National Cemetery, acknowledging the profound dedication and sacrifice of those who served the nation, and embodying universal gratitude through his heartfelt tributes.
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Field Notes: Miramar National - My Burial Place
At Miramar National Cemetery, volunteers, personally connected to the interred, dedicate themselves to ensuring quality care for veterans and their families, managing front desk operations, and maintaining gravesites with a deep sense of responsibility and commitment to honoring their service.
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Field Notes: Miramar National - Volunteers
Kathleen Mae Bruyere, U.S. Navy ret., volunteers at Miramar National Cemetery, aiding daily memorial services. Her late husband, the 19th burial there, rests since the cemetery's inception. Positioned on her future gravesite, she assists staff in service coordination. Noteworthy, veteran couples ...
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Field Notes: Cape Canaveral National - Landscaping
Edward Calderon, KCON National Cemetery's devoted maintenance worker, blends personal military legacy with professional commitment, preserving a sacred space for veterans.
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Cemetery Profile: Serve Those Who Served Us
In this Cemetery Profile, Ernesto Jose Cantú shares his passion for his service in the Air Force, and the satisfaction of beautifying the landscape of the San Antonio National Cemetery.
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Field Notes: Cape Canaveral National - Meeting the Families
As a Cemetery Representative at Cape Canaveral National Cemetery, Luis Albarracin, a retired U.S. Navy member, finds deep meaning in engaging with families, capturing veterans' unique stories, and ensuring they receive the highest honors, thereby preserving their legacy for future generations.