Mr. CHENOWETH. The gentleman is correct. It was Arlington. I thought the policy might include other cemeteries. Mr. RUTHERFORD. I might say that the national average is 12 percent. However, where cemeteries were more convenient to the population Mr. CHENOWETH. That was the 40 percent. Mr. RUTHERFORD. That was the 40 percent, considerably higher. Mr. CHENOWETH. The 40 percent figure refers to those in the 50-mile radius that exercised the privilege? Mr. STOVER. Yes. Mr. CHENOWETH. What is your reaction to the proposal that we fill up our national cemeteries and then let the program lapse? Mr. STOVER. We are opposed to that, sir. We urge that this committee and the Congress continue the national cemetery program. We do not have any specific recommendation to make, except we feel that this study you are now making will demonstrate that there is a need for cemeteries and that there should be some located in conveniently accessible areas throughout the United States so that veterans that do want to avail themselves of this privilege, of this right, can do so. We certainly do not agree, and we oppose the closing up of these cemeteries either in 1988 or in 2000 or whenever it is going to happen. We are against it. Mr. CHENOWETH. It was Arlington that will close in 1988. I think probably some others will be filled up about that time, or even before. Mr. STOVER. Right. Mr. CHENOWETH. Is interest in burial in national cemeteries on the decline? Is there less interest now on the part of veterans than there has been? Would they prefer to be buried in their home cemeteries with their families? Mr. STOVER. My experience is it has been on the upswing, on the increase. Mr. CHENOWETH. The fact is it is only 10 or 12 percent express interest in being buried in national cemeteries. Does not that indicate there is not a widespread interest when only 10 percent of the veterans avail themselves of that privilege? Mr. STOVER. I think that statistic does not reflect the overall viewpoint of veterans, because there are large areas of the United States where it is not feasible or practical to be buried in a national cemetery. For example, if a veteran dies in the State of Maine, the nearest national cemetery is Long Island where there are available grave sites. Therefore, people living in northern Maine, of course, would find it very difficult and probably expensive. However, if they had one, say, in the Boston area, then many more veterans from any State in New England of the six States would probably, if they so desired, use such a cemetery much more often than Long Island. Mr. CHENOWETH. Just one cemetery to take care of the whole region of New England? Mr. STOVER. None to take care of these six States; that happens to be one of our resolutions for many years, to establish a cemetery in the New England area, being the way it is usually worded. Of course, we realize there are many other factors involved in obtaining land and setting up one of these cemeteries. Mr. CHENOWETH. You definitely feel and recommend, then, the national cemetery program should be continued? Mr. STOVER. Yes, sir, we certainly do, very vigorously. Mr. CHENOWETH. That is all. Thank you very much. Dr. DURNO. Mr. Chairman, time is flitting. I am somewhat unhappy with your presentation, for the reason that you just do the opposite of what the agencies of Government do. They say they want them cancelled out, and you say you want them. Actually this subcommittee is interested in, and I certainly am, the positive programs such as the Legion suggests. I think it is up to you as a representative of your organization to help us in the committee in weighing the positive facts. For instance, the chairman of the full committee has brought up this problem of this $50 deduction. There might be other restrictions of various sorts. I do think you should, as a representative of your organization, present some positive suggestion to this committee in an endeavor to help us out in our dilemma. That is all, Mr. Chairman. Mr. RUTHERFORD. Thank you. Are there other questions from members of the staff? Thank you, Mr. Stover, for appearing before the subcommittee to give us the benefit of your advice and counsel and that of your organization. You have been very helpful. Thank you. Mr. STOVER. Thank you very much. (Information subsequently submitted by Mr. Stover follows:) Hon. J. T. RUTHERFORD, VETERANS OF FOREIGN WARS OF THE UNITED STATES, Chairman, Subcommittee on National Parks of the Interior and Insular Affairs Committee, U.S. House of Representatives, Washington, D.C. DEAR MR. CHAIRMAN: During my appearance with respect to the hearings concerning national cemeteries, a question was raised with respect to the number of veterans eligible for membership in the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States. Only veterans who have served overseas or in hostile waters during wartime or during campaign or expedition for which a badge or medal has been issued are, if otherwise entitled, eligible for membership in the Veterans of Foreign Wars. The best available information indicates that 53 percent of the veterans of World War I served overseas, 73 percent of World War II veterans served overseas, and 56 percent of veterans of the Korean conflict served overseas. Projecting these percentages to the number of veterans still living would mean that there are approximately 1,300,000 World War I veterans, 11 million World War II veterans, and 3 million Korean war veterans who served overseas. There is just a mere handful who served in campaigns or expeditions before, 'between, or after these war periods. The total number of living veterans as of January 1962, according to the Veterans' Administration, is 22,326,000. Based on this figure, the number of living veterans who served overseas during wartime would be approximately 15,500,000. Trusting this information has satisfactorily answered your question, I am, Sincerely yours, FRANCIS W. STOVER, Director, National Legislative Service. A NATIONAL CEMETERY FOR ALABAMA, H.R. 4249 Whereas Alabama war veterans of this community have informed us of the vital need in this section for a national cemetery wherein those persons, regardless of origin, faith, or creed, who have served their country in time of war may be buried with dignity, reverence and honor. To this end Congressman George Huddleston, Jr., has introduced H.R. 4249 (87th Cong., 1st sess.); and Whereas a joint committee representing the various veteran organizations in this county has been organized to develop and coordinate all activities in connection with obtaining a national cemetery in the Jefferson County region of Alabama; and Whereas this committee has agreed that all veteran organizations, the county governing body, city governing bodies, civic, labor and fraternal organizations. within Jefferson County be invited and urged to cooperate and support them; in their efforts to obtain this vital project for the State of Alabama; and Whereas the Veterans' Administration estimates 34,510 Alabama veteranswill die by the year 1970; 51,264 more by 1980; and 68,900 additional by 1990, show the great need of such a cemetery in Alabama. It is true that there is now a national cemetery at Mobile, Ala., but it has only 120 remaining grave spaces, which it is anticipated will be filled by the end of year 1961. This will leave Alabama without a national cemetery for future use for her honored dead; and Whereas the need is especially great in Alabama because of the low average income of its citizens. For example, in the Northeastern States it is $2,396; in the Midwestern States $2,540; in Alabama per capita income in 1959 was only $1,409. This makes very clear the need of a new national cemetery in Alabama; and Whereas when death takes away the family breadwinner who desires to be buried in a national cemetery it causes a considerable financial hardship to the family to have the extra heavy expenses of having to travel to another State for the burial. And this distant journey prevents future visits by the widow, or the mother and the children to the grave of their loved one; and Whereas within a radius of 75 miles of Jefferson County is included 46 of Alabama's 67 counties and which have a population of 2,217,607 which is 67 percent of the total population of the State. Thus a national cemetery located in this area would be of maximum value to a large majority of Alabama's veteran population: Therefore be it Resolved, That this body hereby goes on record as requesting and urging the Congress of the United States of America to authorize and direct the Secretary of the Army to take immediate steps to establish a new national cemetery in Alabama. Date: May 20, 1961. VFW DISTRICT 3, DEPARTMENT OF ALABAMA, ROY A. POLK, Commander. (COMMITTEE NOTE.-Resolutions similar to the above and other correspondence of like tenor from Alabama organizations were subsequently submitted by Mr. Stover and may be found in the committee files. Many of these were addressed to Hon. George Huddleston, Jr., a Member of Congress from Alabama. The organizations were as follows: Jefferson County Commissioners; cities and towns of Cardiff, Fairfield, Hueytown, Leeds, Maytown, Mulga, Pleasant Grove, Trussville, Vesavia Hills, and Warrior; American Legion, Department of Alabama, fifth district; General Gorgas Post No. 1, Ensley Post No. 35, and Dabney-Galusha Post No. 3407, American Legion; Kelly Ingram Post No. 668, Veterans of Foreign Wars; Birmingham Barracks No. 915, Veterans of World War I; Veterans National Cemetery Committee, Birmingham, Ala.; Lodge No. 590, Brotherhood of Railroad Trainmen; Alabama Federation of Chapters: of the National Association of Retired Civil Employees; Birmingham Labor Council, AFL-CIO; local union No. 1131; East End Chamber of Commerce, Birmingham; Leeds Chamber of Commerce; Jefferson County Sportsmen's Association; Fraternal Order of Eagles, Pratt City Aerie No. 972. (Mr. Stover also presented a number of letters containing information of cemeterial and burial expenses from various States that are in the committee files.) Mr. RUTHERFORD. It will be the desire of the chairman of the subcommittee to request permission for the subcommittee to sit this afternoon during general debate, and we will recess shortly to reconvene at 2:15. Those who appear on the witness list and did not have an opportunity to be heard this morning will be heard this afternoon. At the request of the gentlelady from Idaho, the statement of the United Veterans Council, signed by Charles V. Sherman, secretary, will be submitted to the record at this point. Also a statement from the Disabled American Veterans will be submitted at this point. Also a statement of the Jewish War Veterans of the United States of America, department service officer, of Massachusetts, will be submitted for the record. Other statements will be submitted for the record at this time, with the request that they be closely associated as much as possible by organization that of the American Legion, the Veterans of Foreign Wars, and other similar organizations, being as compatible as possible as far as the record is concerned. I submit them in bulk. Without objection, the documents are received and submitted for the record. (The statements follow :) Hon. J. T. RUTHERFORD, Chairman, Subcommittee on National Parks, UNITED VETERANS COUNCIL, House Committee on Interior and Insular Affairs, DEAR CONGRESSMAN RUTHERFORD: As you probably know, there is a small military cemetery situated a short distance from the Veterans' Administration center in Boise, Idaho, and we understand it came into existence during the activity of Old Fort Boise in the year 1863. There are roughly two hundred and fifty graves there. The cemetery has been the victim of vandalism for the past few years and cannot be taken care of as it should. Tombstones have been overturned regardless of the number of times volunteers have straightened them. They have also been used for target practice and careless individuals leave the gates open and the whole cemetery has the appearance of a parade ground. Actually, it would require the services of a caretaker in order to keep it in shape and of course that is impossible. We have knowledge of a cloudburst which occurred a few years ago which washed away the contents of most of the graves, perhaps all of them, so that all that remains are the tombstones and the fence. The members of the United Veterans Council of Boise, are in favor of having the cemetery moved to another location if possible, and are seeking the aid of your committee in doing so. We believe this to be the only logical solution to the problem of maintenance of this cemetery. It will be impossible to send a representative to personally testify before your hearings of March 5 through March 9, but we are requesting that this information and our request be inserted in the record of those hearings in order that it be acted upon at the earliest possible date. Respectfully yours, CHARLES V. SHERMAN, Secretary. Hon. J. T. RUTHERFORD, DISABLED AMERICAN VETERANS, Chairman, Subcommittee on National Parks, Committee on Interior and Insular Affairs, House of Representatives, Washington, D.C. DEAR CHAIRMAN RUTHERFORD: This is in reference to our recent correspondence concerning the hearings to be held by your subcommittee during the week of March 5, 1962, on the subject of national cemeteries. The Disabled American Veterans has long felt the need for a complete study of all matters pertaining to national cemeteries with a view to establishing and effectuating a uniform national policy on this important subject. At the most recent national convention of this organization of wartime disabled veterans the following resolution, designated No. 110, was unanimously adopted: "Whereas there now exists in the United States a shortage of Government cemeteries for interment of deceased veterans; and "Whereas there is a very serious need for additional Government cemeteries, with this need continuing to increase in future years: Now, therefore, be it "Resolved by the Disabled American Veterans in national convention assembled at St. Louis, Mo., August 20-25, 1961, That we go on record as urging the Congress of the United States to take immediate action to provide adequate Government cemeteries to meet current needs and make provision to increase cemetery space as the demand requires." It is respectfully requested that this letter, representing the official position of the DAV, be made a part of the hearing record in lieu of a personal appearance. Sincerely yours, ELMER M. FREUDENBERGER, National Director of Legislation. JEWISH WAR VETERANS OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, Congressman J. P. RUTHERFORD, Chairman, House Committee on Interior and Insular Affairs, DEAR SIR: We, the Jewish War Veterans of the United States, department of Massachusetts, are keenly interested in the meetings to be held in Washington on March 5 to March 9, 1962, regarding national cemeteries, before the Subcommittee on National Parks. Our organization has annually recorded itself at our State conventions as heartily in favor of a national cemetery to be set aside in Massachusetts. We respectfully request that we be so recorded at your meetings so that our State will be given this recognition, due to her outstanding contributions in our Nation's wars. I hope and trust that your deliberations will be favorable to our request, as well as the requests of the other veteran organizations in this area. I would appreciate any information as to the committee's decision. Sincerely yours, EDWARD A. LIEBERMAN, |