FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

July 10, 2017

MEDIA CONTACTS

Anna Long
(651) 757-1536
(651) 263-2640 cell
anna.long@state.mn.us

Robert Gross
(507) 765-7320
(507) 535-9041 cell 
robert.gross@state.mn.us

WHAT:

Members of the press in Minnesota, Iowa and Wisconsin are invited to gather at the Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery – Preston for a media day on Thursday, July 20. A recent news article generated a high number of inquiries from Veterans and spouses interested in future burial. This event is designed to build on that momentum and provide the media with information to further spread the word to Veterans and families in the tri-state area about burial options in the State Veterans Cemetery. Although State Veterans Cemeteries differ from VA national cemeteries, both work toward a shared goal of providing eligible Veterans and spouses with military burial honors within 75 miles of their home, nationwide. Thus, Iowa and Wisconsin Veterans may be eligible for burial at the Preston Cemetery.

Media can tour the Cemetery, observe a simulated funeral honors by the Minnesota Honors team, view an abbreviated sample service, and shoot multiple photo ops. There will also be a chance to ask questions and learn more about burial options, pre-registration and eligibility. 

“Veterans have made tremendous sacrifices throughout history to establish and protect the freedoms we all enjoy. While the state and federal governments have a number of programs and services in place to assist and thank those who have served, burial is often the only benefit Veterans claim,” said Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs Commissioner Larry Shellito. “This event is part of our commitment to honor our heroes. We want to continue to spread the word about these benefits to as many Veterans as possible.”

The Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery – Preston conducted its first services on Veterans Day in 2015 and is situated on 169 acres of rolling hills and scenic beauty in Fillmore County.

In addition to the Cemetery in Preston, a second State Veterans Cemetery is located in Little Falls, Minn. The closest VA National Cemetery to this site in Preston is Fort Snelling National Cemetery in Minneapolis, Minn., which is approximately 120 miles away. The closest state cemetery in Northern Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Spooner, Wis., which is approximately 193 miles away.

INTERVIEW OPS:

Robert Gross, Preston Cemetery Administrator

WHEN:

Thursday, July 20; 8 a.m. to 10 a.m.  Refreshments will be provided in the Administration Building. 

WHERE: