The Coastal Bend State Veterans Cemetery, a revered final resting place for veterans and their families, is significantly expanding to accommodate future burials. Since its inauguration in 2011, the cemetery has stood as a symbol of honor and remembrance for those who served their country.
September marked the commencement of this ambitious project, with construction teams breaking ground to initiate the expansion. Recently, efforts have intensified with the installation of fencing around the areas slated for development. Foreseeing the cemetery’s capacity reaching its limits within four years, this expansion is a proactive measure to ensure sufficient space for future burials. Freddy Medina, the cemetery’s on-site representative, emphasized the importance of this foresight. “We realized the need for expansion as we approached our full capacity. Consequently, we submitted a proposal for this project to the VA office,” Medina explained.
Financial support for this project has been robust, with the National Cemetery Administration providing a substantial $9.1 million grant. The Texas Veterans Land Office also contributed $144,000, underscoring the project’s importance. The expansion includes significant enhancements, such as additional burial spaces and improvements to the columbarium, a resting place for cremated remains. An automatic entry gate is also being installed to facilitate visitor access. Medina shared, “With this project, we’re adding nearly 4,000 burial spaces, enabling us to accommodate over 12,000 burials here.”
The dedication of the cemetery staff, many of whom are veterans themselves, is a cornerstone of this endeavor. They are committed to ensuring a comforting experience for the families of the deceased veterans. Medina, a U.S. Navy veteran with over 20 years of service, sees his role at the cemetery as a continuation of his commitment to serving veterans and their families. “Post-retirement, my advocacy has been towards serving veterans and taking care of their families. It’s fulfilling to contribute to their comfort and happiness,” Medina reflected.
While the expansion project is in progress, completion is anticipated by early 2025. This development represents a physical enlargement of the cemetery and a deepening of its commitment to honorably commemorating the lives of those who have served. Through this expansion, the Coastal Bend State Veterans Cemetery ensures its continued role as a sanctuary of remembrance and respect for many years to come.