Senator Nozzolio Announces Construction on Sampson Veterans' Cemetery to Continue

State Senator Mike Nozzolio today announced that final approval has been given by the appropriate State agencies to release the funds necessary to continue construction on the Sampson Veterans' Memorial Cemetery. For years, Senator Nozzolio has worked hard to establish a world-class veterans’ cemetery on the site of the former Sampson United States Naval and Air Force Base.

“With the release of these funds, Seneca County will now be able to move forward with construction on the Sampson Veterans' Cemetery after the project was stalled temporarily by Governor Paterson. After many years of  hard work, the Sampson Veterans' Memorial Cemetery will be a reality for our area veterans,” said Senator Nozzolio. 

Chuck Lafler, Chairman of the Seneca County Board of Supervisors, said “This project means a great deal to our area’s veterans and their families in recognizing the sacrifices and commitment that their loved ones have made for our country. We are extremely grateful to Senator Nozzolio for his vision in making the Veterans' Cemetery a reality.”

Seneca County Planning Department Director Mitch Rowe said, “We are very grateful to Senator Nozzolio for his continued support of Seneca County and thank him for his efforts in getting the State agencies to release the necessary funds to complete this new Veterans' Cemetery.”

“I would like to thank Chuck Lafler, Mitch Rowe, the Seneca County Board of Supervisors and all of the veterans for working with me to make this final resting place a reality for our area servicemen and women.  We have overcome many obstacles and all worked together to get this accomplished,” said Senator Nozzolio.

Located on the shores of Seneca Lake, the Sampson United States Naval and Air Force Base served as a naval training station during World War II and was later used as an Air Force Basic Training Center.  Constructed in 1942, Sampson trained over 400,000 naval recruits during its years of operation. During the Korean War the property was converted to the Sampson Air Force Base and over 300,000 airmen received their basic training there.

All honorably discharged veterans and their spouses will be eligible for burial at the Sampson Veterans' Cemetery.  The guidelines for the cemetery will be based on federal veteran cemetery standards. There are about 200,000 veterans living in the Finger Lakes region.

To learn more about the Sampson Veterans’ Cemetery, you can visit www.sampsonveteranscemetery.com or call the Committee at 315-539-1849.