Rio Grande Valley State Veterans Cemetery Expansion Complete
The growing number of South Texas heroes interred at the Rio Grande Valley State Veterans Cemetery in Mission will be honored for years to come with two new columbaria ready for eternal service.
The new structures expand the capacity of the cemetery by 700 new niches, more than doubling the existing, non-burial capacity. Interments will begin in the new columbaria within the month, as the existing three structures at the cemetery are near capacity.
“Texas Veterans earned our eternal gratitude by serving, and this expansion to the Rio Grande Valley State Veterans Cemetery delivers on our promise to them,” said Texas Land Commissioner George P. Bush, who also serves as chairman of the Texas Veterans Land Board (VLB).
Work to complete the expansion, along with landscaping, was paid for with a $464,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
Texas Veterans are eligible for free interment at the Rio Grande Valley State Veterans Cemetery, which is located on 75 acres southwest of downtown Mission. The cemetery was built in 2006 and provides a dignified, perpetual resting place for more than 6,000 Texas Veterans and their families. A long-range plan envisions a capacity to serve more than 25,000 Veterans and their families.
To honor the deceased, you may purchase engraved memorial pavers which are placed in the assembly area of the cemetery. Each paver costs $100, with proceeds going toward operations of the cemetery. Please contact the cemetery staff at 956–583–7227 to learn more.
The VLB has four Texas State Veterans Cemeteries across Texas in Abilene, Corpus Christi, Killeen and Mission. These cemeteries are hallowed grounds exclusively for Veterans, their spouses, and dependent children. They are special resting places, close to home, where friends, family and fellow Texans can honor Texas Veterans. For more information please call 1–800–252–8387 or visit TexasVeterans.com.
