Veterans cemetery receives high honors

The Northern Nevada Veterans Memorial Cemetery (NNVMC) received the Excellence in Appearance award from the Department of Veteran Affairs National Cemetery Administration which oversees and assists veteran memorial cemeteries throughout the country.

“The award is given for adhering to stringent guidelines established by the NCA,” said NNVMC Administrator, Wes Block. “It is a difficult achievement and we are among the very few state veteran memorial cemeteries which have received this recognition.”

The award is a result of the NCA’s triennial review from 2012 that grades cemeteries in various categories of appearance including cleanliness, landscaping and the ongoing management of headstone alignment.

Cynthia Nunez, director of Sacramento National Cemetery, presented the award on behalf of the NCA. “Our mission is to honor Veterans and their families with final resting places in national shrines with lasting tributes that commemorate their service and sacrifice to our Nation,” said Nunez. “The Northern Nevada Veterans Memorial Cemetery is a wonderful example of our mission and we are proud to be able to recognize them for their very hard and dedicated work.”

“I am immensely proud of the full scope of work our staff manages to ensure our veterans an honorable final resting place for their service to our country,” says Executive Director, Caleb Cage. “The pride they have put into their work is shown in the NCA’s recognition of their efforts and I know they have helped many veterans and family members in creating a cemetery which gives them comfort and their own pride when visiting loved ones and reflecting on their lives.”

With mission-focused employees, NOVS is responsible for the administration of two state veterans memorial cemeteries, a state veterans home, and a state-wide veterans service officer program. NOVS is instrumental in connecting Nevada’s veterans and their families with benefits and assistance from both the state and federal government.