THE burial capacity of the veterans cemetery in Piti will be extended for another 20 years thanks to two grants from the national cemetery association. Prior to the grants, it was estimated that the burial capacity would only last two more years.
The veterans cemetery received a $3.9 million grant for expansion and improvement as well as a $175,000 grant for maintenance. The funds will be available only up to Sept. 30, 2013.
The grants will be used to construct more crypts and rainwater catchments and to replace the deteriorating fences.
Representatives of the National Cemetery Association will visit the Guam Veterans Cemetery to check the upgrades.
“There’s no reason why the cemetery should not be a showcase for the final resting place of our veterans. Guam’s veterans truly have earned it and they deserve the best,” Veterans Affairs Director John Unpingco said.
Before the repairs can be made, consultants will provide marketing and research and the services will be contracted out.
Unpingco, who has been in the position for about a year, said the cemetery has been in neglect for the longest time. Volunteers occasionally assist in the upkeep, but the availability of these volunteers varies, Unpingco said.
