Oklahoma tribes receive VA grants for veterans cemeteries


A view of the Seminole Nation veterans cemetery in Seminole, Oklahoma. Photo from Spirit of 45

Two Oklahoma tribes can keep their veterans close to home thanks to grants from the Department of Veterans Affairs.

The Seminole Nation used a $1.3 million, plus its own funds, to build the Seminole Nation Cemetery and Veterans Memorial next to an existing cemetery in Seminole, The Oklahoman reported. The facility was completed last November.

Edmond Harjo, who was the last living Seminole Code Talker until his passing in March 2014, was the first veteran to be buried there. He received the Congressional Gold Medal in 2013 for his service during World War II.

The Ponca Tribe received a $495,000 grant to add a veterans memorial and burial area to its existing cemetery in Ponca City. The project will be finished soon, The Oklahoman reported.

Get the Story:
Two Oklahoma tribes benefit from nationwide boom in veterans cemeteries (The Oklahoman 8/18)

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