RECOGNIZING FALLEN VETERANS BILL ENACTED IN SENATE

AUGUSTA–A bill to ensure that all veterans receive gravemarkers–even when there is no next of kin–was enacted by the Maine State Senate today.

Sen. Justin Alfond of Portland

“Veterans put their lives on the line for this country, and all veterans deserve recognition for their service, no matter how long ago they passed away,” said State Senate Democratic Leader Justin Alfond of Portland, the sponsor of the measure. “This bill is a small change that means a big difference for deceased veterans.”

Currently, the Veteran’s Administration requires that a government gravestone or marker can only be issued upon the application and request of the next-of-kin. In some cases of long deceased veterans, there is no next-of-kin, leaving some veterans graves without markers.

The issue was raised by Larry Glatz, who told the story of Billy Brown, a veteran from the turn of the 19th century who is interred in Eastern Cemetery in Portland.  When Billy Brown died in the mid-1800’s, his body, like that of many African Americans at the time, was placed into an unmarked grave. He has no living next-of-kin.

Before the bill LD 378, “An Act to Facilitate the Issuance of a Gravestone for a Deceased Veteran with No Next of Kin,” can become law, it will go to the governor for his consideration.

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