(The Center Square) – A new Tennessee law will allow members of the military reserves to be interred in state veterans cemeteries.
Members of the Army National Guard, Air National Guard and anyone who served in a reserve component in the United States armed forces for at least eight years would be eligible to be interred in one of Tennessee’s five veterans cemeteries, according to House Bill 1635. Anyone who was called to serve as part of a state order would also be eligible, regardless of how long they served. The bill became effective when Gov. Bill Lee signed it on April 27.
The estimated cost for the expansion’s first year would be $19,539, based on an additional 13 burials at $1,503 each, according to an analysis by the Fiscal Review Committee. The number would increase to 28 additional burials in subsequent years at a cost of $42,084 annually.
“This law ensures that more Tennessee service members receive the honor and dignity they have earned through their commitment and sacrifice,” Veterans Department Commissioner Tommy Baker said in a release. “By recognizing the valuable contributions of our National Guard and Reserve members, Tennessee continues to lead in honoring those who have served.”
Tennessee’s veterans cemeteries are located throughout the state. Two are in Knoxville and one each in Nashville, Memphis and Parkers Crossroads.
The state is in the process of building a new cemetery in White County, according to the department’s website. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs told the state in January that it qualifies for a grant that will fund the development and construction of the cemetery.
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