San Joaquin Valley National Cemetery facts for kids
| Details | |
|---|---|
| Established | 1990 |
| Location | |
| Country | United States |
| Owned by | United States Department of Veterans Affairs |
| No. of graves | 28,740 |
The San Joaquin Valley National Cemetery is a special place in Santa Nella, California. It is a United States National Cemetery, which means it's a burial ground for people who served in the United States military. This cemetery is located in Merced County, California.
It covers a large area, about 322 acres (which is like 240 football fields!). Many people who served our country are laid to rest here. By 2008, over 30,000 people had been buried or had their ashes placed here.
Contents
History of the Cemetery
The San Joaquin Valley National Cemetery was created thanks to a generous gift. In 1989, a company called Romero Ranch Company gave land to the United States Department of Veterans Affairs. This department helps military veterans and their families.
The first part of the cemetery was finished in May 1992. This first section was 105 acres and had enough space for over 20,000 burials.
There is also a small museum at the cemetery. It shows uniforms, medals, and other items from military history.
Important Memorials and Statues
The cemetery has several important monuments that honor different groups of service members. These memorials help us remember their bravery and sacrifices.
California Korean War Veterans Memorial
This memorial was built in 1998. It honors the 2,495 veterans from California who died during the Korean War. The memorial has 16 tall granite stones arranged in a circle. Each stone has names carved into it.
11th Airborne Memorial
Dedicated in 2002, this monument honors all airborne forces. These are soldiers who parachute from planes into battle. The memorial is made of granite and bronze and is called "The Airborne Soldier."
Notable People Buried Here
Many brave and interesting people are buried at the San Joaquin Valley National Cemetery. Here are a few examples:
- William Troy (1848–1907): He was a sailor who received the Medal of Honor. This is the highest award for bravery in the U.S. military. He earned it for his actions during a battle in Korea in 1871.
- Mac Foster (1942–2010): He was a sergeant in the United States Marine Corps. After his military service, he became a professional boxer.
