Congressman Aderholt Applauds VA Grant for Alabama Veterans Memorial Cemetery-North

WASHINGTON, D.C - Today, Congressman Robert Aderholt (AL-04) highlighted the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs' award of more than $18 million through the Veterans Cemetery Grant Program to support the establishment a new veterans cemetery in North Alabama.

In fiscal year 2026, the Department of Veterans Affairs awarded a record $106.5 million in grants to 21 cemeteries across U.S. states, territories, and tribal nations. This represents the highest level of annual funding since the Veterans Cemetery Grant Program was established in 1980.

These grants help ensure that more than 94% of veterans living in the United States have access to a veteran's cemetery within 75 miles of their homes.

As part of the FY2026 awards, $18,094,445 was granted to establish the Alabama Veterans Memorial Cemetery-North in Huntsville. Additionally, the VA will reimburse up to $875,706 for the fabrication and delivery of pre-placed crypts.

Currently, more than 42,000 veterans in North Alabama live outside the 75-mile service radius of an existing state or national veteran's cemetery. The new facility will help close this gap and is expected to serve veterans and their families in North Alabama for more than 200 years.

"Veterans have given and sacrificed immensely to protect the fundamental liberties of our great country. Their unwavering service has sustained democracy and defended freedom around the world," said Congressman Aderholt. "We owe our veterans and their families a great debt of gratitude, and this investment is an important step toward ensuring they receive the recognition, respect, and lasting honor they deserve."

The Alabama Veterans Memorial Cemetery-North will be the state's second veteran's cemetery. The only existing veteran's cemetery in Alabama is located in Spanish Fort, a six-hour drive from parts of North Alabama.

This investment will help ensure that North Alabama's veterans and their families have access to a dignified final resting place that reflects our deep gratitude for their service and sacrifice.