GENERAL INFORMATION

Military Funeral Honors
The West Virginia National Cemetery is fortunate to have the "Taylor County Color Guard." This is a group of retired VFW, DAV and American Legion members. Upon request, they will render Military Funeral Honors for any veteran to be interred in this cemetery. They perform a very dignified and compassionate service and consider it an honor to do this for a fellow comrade.
back to top

HISTORICAL INFORMATION

West Virginia National Cemetery is located approximately five miles west of Grafton, W.Va., in Taylor County. Beginning in the 1960s, it became increasingly apparent that the Grafton National Cemetery was running out of burial space. As a result, West Virginia veterans’ organizations began lobbying for a second national cemetery. In 1975, after extensive studies to determine whether or not Grafton could be expanded, authorities determined that the grounds were too steep and the cost too prohibitive. The West Virginia United Veterans National Cemetery Committee was formed and began to pressure the governor and members of the congressional delegation for a new national cemetery.

After extensive negotiations between the Veterans Administration and the state, a 58-acre tract that had been part of the West Virginia Industrial School for Boys was selected for use as a new cemetery. The land was transferred, but construction was delayed by inclement weather and negotiations with local contractors. Although construction was incomplete, the cemetery was dedicated Sept. 27, 1987, and opened for interments the following day.

Monuments and Memorials
The Industrial School for Boys monument is a granite memorial that was dedicated in 1992. It was erected in memory of residents of the West Virginia Industrial School for Boys who were buried at the cemetery between 1890 and 1939.
back to top

NOTABLE PERSONS

back to top

FLORAL/GROUNDS REGULATIONS

Floral arrangements accompanying the casket or urn at the time of burial will be placed on the completed grave. Natural cut flowers may be placed on graves at any time of the year. They will be removed when they become unsightly or when it becomes necessary to facilitate cemetery operations such as mowing.

Artificial flowers and potted plants will be permitted on graves during periods when their presence will not interfere with grounds maintenance. As a general rule, artificial flowers and potted plants will be allowed on graves for a period extending 10 days before through 10 days after Easter Sunday, Memorial Day and Veterans Day.

Christmas wreaths, grave blankets and other seasonal adornments may be placed on graves from Dec. 1 through Jan. 20. They may not be secured to headstones or markers.

Permanent plantings, statues, vigil lights, breakable objects and similar items are not permitted on the graves. The Department of Veterans Affairs does not permit adornments that are considered offensive, inconsistent with the dignity of the cemetery or considered hazardous to cemetery personnel. For example, items incorporating beads or wires may become entangled in mowers or other equipment and cause injury.

Permanent items removed from graves will be placed in an inconspicuous holding area for one month prior to disposal. Decorative items removed from graves remain the property of the donor but are under the custodianship of the cemetery. If not retrieved by the donor, they are then governed by the rules for disposal of federal property.
back to top