Riverside National Cemetery - A Place Of Honor
For those who have served our country, and for the people who care about them, there is a very special spot in California, a place of quiet dignity where stories of service live on. It's a national cemetery, a truly important location where veterans and their family members find a lasting resting place. This spot is looked after by the VA, the Department of Veterans Affairs, making sure it serves its purpose with the utmost respect.
This particular cemetery, you know, it's pretty big and quite active, actually, one of the busiest ones that the National Cemetery Administration manages. It's a place where many come to remember, to reflect, and to honor the lives of those who gave so much. You can find all sorts of helpful things here, like details on who can be buried, what kind of burial spots are available, and even how to get there.
People also look for information about military honors, or what the rules are for flowers, and that sort of thing. It's also a spot where you can search for where specific people are laid to rest, or find out about the different memorials that stand there. And for those who need it, this location connects people to the benefits and services they've earned through their time in the military, so it's a hub for support.
Table of Contents
- What is Riverside National Cemetery?
- Where is Riverside National Cemetery and When Did It Start?
- What Can You See and Do at Riverside National Cemetery?
- How Can You Find Information and Support at Riverside National Cemetery?
- How Do People Honor Our Heroes at Riverside National Cemetery?
What is Riverside National Cemetery?
The Riverside National Cemetery is a very special place, you know, set aside for those who have served our country in the military and for their close family members. It's a national cemetery, which means it's part of a bigger system that cares for the resting places of our nation's heroes. This particular one is in California, and it does a lot for veterans and their loved ones, offering a quiet, respectful spot for them.
It's actually the biggest and busiest cemetery that the National Cemetery Administration takes care of, which is saying something, considering how many there are. It's also, more or less, the third largest and busiest cemetery for veterans in the whole United States. So, it sees a lot of activity, with many families coming through its gates to pay their respects or to lay a loved one to rest.
This spot is a public cemetery, basically, located in Riverside, California. Its main purpose is to be a place for putting to rest United States military personnel. It holds a very important role in the community and for the country, serving as a lasting tribute to the brave individuals who have given their time and effort for our collective good, and that's really what it's all about.
Where is Riverside National Cemetery and When Did It Start?
The Riverside National Cemetery has a specific spot on the map, you know, if you're ever looking to visit or find it. It's located at 22495 Van Buren Boulevard, right there in Riverside, California. This address is key for anyone trying to get there, whether for a visit or for something more formal. Visitors will find the main office building on the right side as they turn onto Harmon Street, which is pretty helpful for finding your way around.
This significant place got its start back in 1976. That's when a good chunk of land, about 740 acres, was moved over from what was then called March Air Force Base. During World War II, that base was known as the U.S. Riverside, so there's a bit of history tied into its beginnings. It's almost like the land itself has a long story of service, even before it became a cemetery.
The very first burials at this cemetery happened on November 11, 1978. That date is pretty meaningful, too, as it's Veterans Day, a time when we already remember those who served. So, in a way, it began its life of service on a day dedicated to service. Today, this vast area spreads out over more than 1,250 acres, holding a really big number of graves, more than 228,000, for veterans and their family members.
It's a place that truly offers a quiet space for people to think and feel, a spot for reflection. You know, it's not just a plot of land; it’s a living memory, a place where people can connect with the past and honor those who helped shape our present. The size of it, and the number of lives it represents, is really something to consider, giving you a sense of its importance.
What Can You See and Do at Riverside National Cemetery?
When you visit the Riverside National Cemetery, there are quite a few things you can see and do, beyond just paying your respects at a gravesite. It's a place that holds many stories and offers different ways to remember. For instance, you can find a special memorial for the Medal of Honor, which is a very important tribute to those who received our country's highest military honor, and that's a powerful thing to witness.
There's also a memorial dedicated to Prisoners of War and those Missing in Action, which helps keep the memory alive of service members who faced incredible challenges or whose fates are still not fully known. You'll find several notable people buried here, too, individuals who played a significant role in our country's history. It really is a spot for quiet thought, where you can just be present and remember.
Special Spots to Remember at Riverside National Cemetery
Among the revered spots at Riverside National Cemetery, you'll find the Medal of Honor memorial, which is a really moving tribute. It’s a way to show respect for those who earned the very highest military honor our nation can give. Just standing near it, you can feel the weight of the bravery it represents, and it’s quite a powerful experience, honestly.
The grounds themselves are set among rolling hills, which gives the whole place a feeling of peace and natural beauty. This is a place considered very special, a final resting spot for many thousands of veterans who served our country with a lot of honor. It’s a quiet reminder of their dedication, and that's something we can all appreciate.
There's also a lakeside amphitheater, which is a bit unique. This outdoor space is used for special events, like concerts, and it adds another dimension to the cemetery, making it a place not just for solemn reflection but also for community gatherings that celebrate the spirit of service. It's a really nice touch, you know, to have such a spot there.
How Can You Find Information and Support at Riverside National Cemetery?
If you're looking for information or need support related to veterans' services, the Riverside National Cemetery is a place where you can find a lot of help. You can get details on who can be buried there, what kinds of burial spots are available, and even how to get to the cemetery itself. They also provide information about military honors and what the rules are for placing flowers, which is pretty useful for families.
This location also helps people get information about the VA benefits and services they've earned. This includes things like health care, support for disabilities, help with education, and a lot more. So, if you're a veteran, a service member, or a family member, you can come here or use their resources to apply for and manage those important benefits, and that’s a big help for many people.
Looking Up Burials and History at Riverside National Cemetery
For those who are trying to find someone, or perhaps doing some family history work, you can search for burials and memorials at Riverside National Cemetery. It's the biggest and busiest cemetery that the National Cemetery Administration looks after, so there are many records. You can look up burial records and historical information about the cemetery itself, which is really helpful for genealogy research, you know.
The information available includes things like photos, GPS coordinates to help you find specific spots, and historical details about the cemetery and its memorials. This kind of access makes it easier for people to connect with the past and learn more about the individuals laid to rest there. It’s a way to keep their stories alive, basically, and make sure their service is remembered.
If you're looking for complete information about individual records, it's a good idea to get in touch with the cemetery directly or with local officials. Sometimes, if your search gives you information that doesn't seem quite right about a veteran or family member buried in a national cemetery, you should contact the cemetery right away to talk about what you found. They can help clear things up, and that's important for accuracy.
You can also learn about how to schedule bagpipes for funeral services at Riverside National Cemetery, with details about Forrest Cormany who can help with that. This shows that they pay attention to the little things that can make a service truly special and personal for families, which is something many appreciate, really.
There's also a daily burial schedule that allows the public to look for planned services for veterans, spouses, or other eligible family members. This is available if the family of the person who passed away has given permission for the information to be shared. It's a way to stay informed and perhaps attend a service to show support, and that's a nice option to have.
Getting Help with VA Benefits Through Riverside National Cemetery
Beyond being a place of rest, the Riverside National Cemetery also serves as a point of connection for veterans and their families to the benefits they've earned. You can get help applying for and managing different types of VA benefits. This includes important things like health care services, support for disabilities that might have come from their service, and help with education, among other things.
It's a way to make sure that those who have given so much for our country receive the ongoing support they deserve. The cemetery, in a way, acts as a gateway to these vital services, making it easier for people to access what they need. So, it's not just about what happens after life; it's also about supporting life, and that's pretty significant.
How Do People Honor Our Heroes at Riverside National Cemetery?
The Riverside National Cemetery stands as a solemn tribute to the bravery and the big sacrifices made by our nation's heroes. It's a very special ground, considered sacred, and it serves as the final resting spot for many thousands of veterans who served our country with great honor. People come here to show their deep respect and to remember the lives lived in service, and that's a powerful reason to visit.
Throughout the year, especially on important days, there are many ways people gather to honor those laid to rest here. For example, there's a Memorial Day commemoration ceremony that happens. This event typically includes people speaking, music, and a rifle salute, which adds a lot to the feeling of respect and remembrance. It's a way for the community to come together and show their appreciation, you know.
Special Days and Gatherings at Riverside National Cemetery
On Memorial Day, which is always a Monday, there are usually solemn gatherings, sometimes even a motorcycle ride, and special salutes that take place across the Inland Empire. These events mark the day and give people a chance to honor those who gave their lives while serving in the military. The cemetery is often a central point for these activities, drawing many visitors.
The city, along with groups like the Friends of Oak Park Cemetery and the American Legion, often work together to put on these events. For instance, people who want to pay their respects to the nation’s fallen service members are often asked to join a Memorial Day weekend mission at Riverside National Cemetery. During this time, volunteers come together to place flags or other tokens of remembrance at the gravesites, which is a truly moving sight.
Then, on the eve of the Fourth of July, there's a long-standing tradition of the "Concert for Heroes." This program features really moving patriotic music and popular classic tunes, held in the lakeside amphitheater at the Riverside National Cemetery. It’s a wonderful way to celebrate our nation's freedom and honor those who made it possible, combining music with a meaningful setting.
The VA, which looks after the cemetery, is also proud to put on public Memorial Day commemoration ceremonies at more than 130 of its national cemeteries during that special weekend. Riverside National Cemetery is, of course, one of those important locations where these events take place, bringing communities together to remember and show gratitude. These gatherings are a very important part of how we keep the memory of service alive for generations to come.
The Riverside National Cemetery is a significant place, a spot where veterans and their families find a resting place, and where the community can come to remember and honor those who served. It's a very large and active cemetery, offering various services and hosting important events throughout the year. From helping with VA benefits to providing a peaceful place for reflection, this cemetery plays a big role in supporting our nation's heroes and their loved ones.
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