Wilson Announces Fort Jackson as Site for Future National Cemetery

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 10, 2006

CONTACT: Kim Olive
(202) 225-2452 (Office)
(202) 420-9493 (Cell)

Wilson Announces Fort Jackson as Site for Future National Cemetery

Congressman Joe Wilson (SC-02) today announced that Fort Jackson has been selected as the location for South Carolina’s new national veterans’ cemetery. The Department of Veterans Affairs Under Secretary for Memorial Affairs William Tuerk joined Congressman Wilson for the announcement.

“The selection of Fort Jackson for the new national cemetery is wonderful news for all South Carolina veterans. The men and women who have honorably served our country deserve a final resting place close to their family and friends. This cemetery will ensure South Carolina is able to serve the needs of its entire veterans’ population.

“I am pleased the VA has approved the site location and we can now move forward with the next phase in making this cemetery a reality.”

History of Fort Jackson Site Selection:

In March 2003, Congressman Jim Gerlach introduced H.R. 1516, the “National Cemetery Expansion Act of 2003.” Congressman Wilson was a cosponsor of this bill. This legislation directed the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to establish six new veterans’ cemeteries, one of which was to be located in Greenville/Columbia, South Carolina.

H.R. 1516 was passed in the House on July 21, 2003, by a 408 - 0 vote. On October 10, 2003, the Senate passed the bill by Unanimous Consent. President Bush signed H.R. 1516 into law on November 11, 2003.

On February 21 and March 6, 2006, Congressman Wilson wrote the Under Secretary for Memorial Affairs in support of Fort Jackson as the site location for the national cemetery. Wilson invited the Under Secretary to tour the site and meet with local veterans.

Fort Jackson was selected as the “most favorable” of three possible sites in March.

In July, Under Secretary Tuerk visited Columbia to tour Fort Jackson.

In October, Secretary James Nicholson signed the paperwork designating Fort Jackson as the official location for South Carolina’s new cemetery.

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