News Summary
A coalition of California lawmakers is advocating for a $6 million grant from the Department of Veterans Affairs to establish Orange County’s first veterans cemetery in Anaheim Hills. With $55.5 million already secured, the Southern California State Veterans Cemetery will address the lack of burial spaces for local veterans, significantly reducing the distance families must travel to honor their loved ones. Construction could begin within a year, with hopes of opening by 2027 or 2028, amidst strong community support for the Anaheim Hills site.
Anaheim, California – Final Push for Federal Funding to Establish Orange County’s First Veterans Cemetery
A coalition of twenty members from California’s congressional delegation has sent a letter to the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), urging them to approve a pre-application for a critically needed $6 million grant to establish the first veterans cemetery in Orange County. This cemetery, proposed to be built in Anaheim Hills’ Gypsum Canyon, is set to be named the Southern California State Veterans Cemetery and is part of ongoing efforts to ensure proper burial spaces for local veterans.
While the project is making strides toward fruition, it is noteworthy that nearly $55.5 million has already been secured for the veterans cemetery through funding from both county and state sources. Currently, Orange County holds the distinction of being the largest county in California without a dedicated veterans cemetery, underscoring the strong demand for this project within the community.
Lawmakers elaborated on the significance of the cemetery, pointing out that the existing national cemetery located in Riverside is excessively far for families to visit and honor their loved ones. This proximity issue has been a long-standing concern, making the establishment of the new cemetery a high priority for local veterans and their families.
The proposed cemetery site will include distinct areas designated for veterans of allied nations and first responders, demonstrating a commitment to honoring all who have served. The cemetery design and management will be overseen by the California Department of Veterans Affairs (CalVet), while the Orange County Cemetery District will manage the public portion of the cemetery. Efforts are already underway to establish utilities and construction plans for the site, indicating that the project is “shovel-ready” pending federal approval.
A decision from the VA regarding the grant is anticipated by mid-October, which could serve as a pivotal moment for the cemetery’s development. The Anaheim City Council approved the cemetery site in July 2024, facilitating a key step in the planning process, while the cemetery district has been proactive in reducing costs by downsizing land needs for grading, maximizing efficiency in project execution.
To connect the public cemetery with the private veterans cemetery, a road will be constructed. This connection emphasizes the integrated approach being taken to cater to the needs of all prospective visitors.
In addition to the practical need for the cemetery, the cemetery district has projected that existing casket burial spaces will run out by the end of 2028, further emphasizing the urgency of the project. Historically, the last public cemetery opened in the area over a century ago at El Toro Memorial Park in 1896, highlighting a significant gap in services for local veterans.
Despite current political divisions, there exists significant bipartisan support for the cemetery project. Several community members have also expressed strong preference for the proposed cemetery location in Anaheim Hills over alternative sites, such as one proposed by Irvine Mayor Larry Agran in Great Park, which met with substantial resident opposition. More than 600 signatures have been collected advocating for the Anaheim Hills plan, reflecting community consensus on the issue.
The timeline for the project anticipates beginning construction within the next twelve months, with hopes to open to the public by 2027 or 2028. As plans continue to unfold, the establishment of the Southern California State Veterans Cemetery appears to be a vital undertaking that will serve the memory and honor of those who have bravely served their country.
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California Assembly Approves Veterans Cemetery in Anaheim Hills
Additional Resources
- OC Register: Final Federal Funding Push for OC Veterans Cemetery
- Wikipedia: Veterans Cemetery
- Ripon Advance: Support for Veterans Cemetery in Orange County
- Google Search: Orange County Veterans Cemetery
- ABC7: Irvine Mayor’s Request on Veterans Cemetery
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Veterans Administration
- LAist: Fight Over Veterans Cemetery in Irvine
Author: STAFF HERE COSTA MESA WRITER
COSTA MESA STAFF WRITER The COSTA MESA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERECostaMesa.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Costa Mesa, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the OC Fair, Concerts in the Park, and Fish Fry. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Costa Mesa Chamber of Commerce and Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Orange Coast, plus leading businesses in retail, fashion, and technology that power the local economy such as Vans, Experian, and South Coast Plaza. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HEREBeverlyHills.com, HERECoronado.com, HEREHollywood.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, HERELosAngeles.com, HEREMissionViejo.com, HERESanDiego.com, and HERESantaAna.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into California's dynamic landscape.
