BILL RECOGNIZING FALLEN VETERANS WITH NO NEXT-OF-KIN RECEIVES PUBLIC HEARING

Sen. Alfond introduces measure in honor of fallen 19th century soldier

AUGUSTA–A bill to ensure that all veterans receive gravemakers–even when there is no next of kin–was introduced at a public hearing in the state’s Veterans and Legal Affairs Committee today.

“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, the sponsor of the measure. “This bill is a small change that means a big difference for deceased veterans.”

Sen. Justin Alfond of Portland

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.

The bill, LD 378,  would designate the Adjutant General of Maine as next-of-kin for deceased veterans in situations where the veteran has no living spouse or adult relative. The bill also directs the Adjutant General to ensure the veteran receives a grave marker.

A work session for LD 378, “An Act to Facilitate the Issuance of a Gravestone for a Deceased Veteran with No Next of Kin” will be scheduled in the coming weeks.

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