GENERAL INFORMATION

There are more than 323,000 veterans living in western Pennsylvania; the new 292-acre national cemetery will serve veterans needs for the next 50 years. The cemetery is located southwest of Pittsburgh.

The firm, Marshall, Tyler Raush of Pittsburgh has completed the master plan design, and preparation of construction documents. Burials began Aug. 15, 2005, in an initial development area. This small-scale development is separate from the major phase one construction project and allows for burials to begin during construction of the cemetery. Initial operations will be conducted from a temporary office, committal service shelter and equipment shed.

Phase 1 construction is now underway. The initial phase one construction will include: an entrance area, administration/maintenance complex, committal service shelters, full-casket gravesites, in-ground sites and columbaria niches for cremated remains.
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HISTORICAL INFORMATION

The National Cemetery Administration purchased the northern section of the new national cemetery in 2003.

Approximately 10 acres of land are currently developed. Phase I construction, to include an additional 80 acres, is scheduled for completion in July 2008.

Before being converted to a cemetery, the site has been constantly farmed since the 1800s, and the region was the flash point of the historic Whisky Rebellion of 1794.
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NOTABLE PERSONS

Captain U.S. Army and First Lieutenant U.S. Army Air Forces, Charles William Tate. Fighter Pilot, Squadron B2143 RD, “Tuskegee Airman.” Tuskegee Army Air Field, Alabama, European Theatre February 29, 1944. Air Medal with four Oak Leaf Clusters, Distinguished Flying Cross (Section 1, Grave 1118).
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FLORAL/GROUNDS REGULATIONS

We welcome and encourage fresh-cut flowers throughout the year and provide flower containers for gravesite display.

The cemetery supplies temporary vases for visitors to use when placing flowers at a gravesite.  The vases are located in a receptacle near the main flagpole.  Water is also available at that same location. Once the blooms are spent or damaged by weather, they are removed. They also may be removed for routine mowing or other maintenance.

Artificial flowers are only allowed after the end of mowing operations in the fall on October 10 and must be removed when mowing operations resume in the spring on April 15.

On Easter and Memorial Day, potted plants and artificial flowers may be placed on gravesites 10 days before through 10 days following the holiday. During the holiday season, from December 1 through January 20, seasonal floral items and gravesite pillows may be placed on gravesites.

To maintain the dignity of the cemetery, commemorative items, balloons, pinwheels, wind chimes, glass items, votive lights, statues, shepherd’s hooks and permanent plantings, among other items, are not allowed.

If you are unable to get your flowers before our clean off, contact the office and we will hold them for no longer than 10 days.