Duluth, Minn. – The Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery - Duluth has received the Operational Excellence Award from the National Cemetery Administration (NCA), a division of the United States Department of Veterans Affairs. The Duluth State Veterans Cemetery is the first Veterans Cemetery to receive 100% on all inspectable standards and measures following consecutive surveys. The first was awarded in 2023 following a 2022 inspection. The NCA inspects cemeteries in three-year cycles.

The compliance review process examines 95 standards to ensure the best possible experience for families of Veterans interred at the cemeteries in categories such as interment operations, grounds maintenance, headstone, marker and niche cover, equipment maintenance and other standards.

On May 6, James Earp, the NCA’s Director for the Veterans Cemetery Grants Program (VCGP), traveled to Duluth to personally present the Operational Excellence Award to the team members.

“This team takes pride in the solemn responsibility of maintaining these hallowed grounds, exercising compassion and care in preserving the legacy of service and commitment of family,” says Director Earp. “Together they maintain the cemetery’s honorable support to Veterans and their families with precision and dedication. Their professionalism and attention to detail ensure every Veteran and eligible family member is laid to rest in a manner that honors their service and sacrifice.”

“This recognition is proof of Minnesota’s ongoing commitment to our Veterans and their families,” says Duluth State Veterans Cemetery Administrator Cory Johnson. “This part of our state, and this part of the country is deeply committed to honoring and remembering those who served. I’m proud to be part of a team that dedicates each day to these enduring values.”

In fiscal year 2025, the Duluth State Veterans Cemetery laid to rest 228 Veterans, family members and dependents.

The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affair administers four State Veterans Cemeteries throughout the state – Duluth, Little Falls, Preston and Redwood Falls.

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About MDVA
The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) is a cabinet-level state agency dedicated to serving Minnesota Veterans and their families. In addition to overseeing the eight State Veterans Homes and four State Veterans Cemeteries, MDVA helps eligible Veterans and families secure state and federal benefits and provides programs and services relating to higher education, benefits, burial, claims, outreach and Veterans employment. Veterans and their families are encouraged to visit MinnesotaVeteran.org or call 1-888-LinkVet for more information about benefits.