Washington, DC (November 3, 2006) – Today, Congressman Rubén Hinojosa (TX-15) attended the dedication of the Rio Grande Valley’s first Texas State Veterans Cemetery.  He was joined by representatives from the Administration, Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison, and other local elected officials. 

The cemetery is a 75-acre facility with an ultimate capacity for up to 25,000 burial places.  The cemetery will feature:  a covered, open-air structure for committal services, a visitors center, a computer system for locating specific graves or internments, an assembly are for special occasions, such as Memorial Day observances, an avenue of flags, and a memorial walkway for future monuments.  The new cemetery will be the second of up to seven Texas State Veterans Cemeteries.

“As we prepare to commemorate Veterans Day, today’s event is particularly poignant,” said Hinojosa.  “Our community has a long and proud tradition of military service, yet until now, they did not have a veterans’ cemetery that serves as a lasting memorial to their service to our country.  I am proud this day has finally come, and will continue working to guarantee that our veterans have the benefits and services they deserve.”  

Below are Congressman Hinojosa’s remarks, prepared for delivery:
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“It is a pleasure to be here today with all of you as we dedicate this beautiful new state veterans’ cemetery.  It is always an honor to share the stage with our senior Senator, Kay Bailey Hutchison.  I also am glad we are well represented today by our state officials and our veteran representatives.

“The Rio Grande Valley has a strong tradition of military service.  Yet the veterans of this region have been unable to be buried in a specially designated veterans’ cemetery close to home.  Families have been forced to travel great distances to visit the burial sites of their loved ones.  Our veterans deserved much better.

“It has been a long struggle, but today we are celebrating the opening of a unique cemetery that is the result of a successful state and federal partnership.  Senator Hutchison and I were very proud to play a role in obtaining the federal portion of the funding for the Department of Veterans’ Affairs to build this facility.  Our state and local representatives played their part by donating the land and finding the state funds needed to operate this beautiful place. 

“As a result, the veterans of the Rio Grande Valley finally have their own special place for a dignified burial close to their loved ones that will also serve as a lasting memorial to their service to this country.

“Thank you again for inviting me to share in this special event today and I look forward to working with all of the elected officials here today to ensure that our veterans receive the other benefits and assistance they deserve.”