Senator Nozzolio Announces $150,000 Grant for the Sampson Veterans Memorial Cemetery

will support next phase of renovations

Continuing his aggressive efforts to honor and support our veterans, State Senator Mike Nozzolio today announced that he has secured $150,000 in State funding for the Sampson Veterans Memorial Cemetery. This funding will be used to complete the next stage of renovations and finish work on the chapel. The chapel is a restored building that served as a firehouse on the original Sampson Naval Base.

"We have no greater obligation than to honor and thank our veterans for the countless sacrifices they have made to protect our freedom and defend our Nation.  Those who have borne the cost for our freedom deserve a place of dignity as their final resting place and it is fitting that we honor and pay tribute to those sacrifices on Veterans Day,” said Senator Mike Nozzolio.

“We are very grateful to Senator Nozzolio for his continued support of the Sampson Veterans Memorial Cemetery and thank him for his efforts to secure this important funding.  My colleagues and I on the Seneca County Board of Supervisors look forward to working with Senator Nozzolio as we continue our efforts to recognize and honor our veterans.  The excellent condition of the Sampson Veterans Memorial Cemetery is a tribute to all of those who work hard to ensure that that the grounds and facilities are well maintained," said Bob Hayssen, Chairman of the Seneca County Board of Supervisors.  

"Senator Nozzolio has been a strong advocate for our veterans and their families.  Today’s announcement is a tremendous step forward for the Sampson Veterans Memorial Cemetery, the Town of Romulus and Seneca County,” said Romulus Town Supervisor David Kaiser.  

"Senator Nozzolio has never wavered in his support for our Nation's veterans and to the full potential of the Sampson Veterans Memorial Cemetery as the final resting place for the heroes that have served our country.  Seneca County remains grateful to be home to such a sacred place and looks forward to the next phase of development of the site," said Mitchell Rowe, Seneca County Manager.

“We appreciate everything that Senator Nozzolio has done to create the Sampson Veterans Memorial Cemetery and make it a success. The Cemetery is an important community asset that we can all be proud of. This grant will allow Seneca County to continue the development of the Cemetery and we look forward to working with Senator Nozzolio as he continues his efforts to honor our veterans and their service to our Nation,” said Tom Macinski, Chairman of the Seneca County Economic Development Council.   

“For many years, Senator Nozzolio has worked to honor our veterans and pay tribute to their service.  This funding will allow the Cemetery to complete the chapel and finish the next stage of renovations, ensuring that our veterans are laid to rest with dignity and honor,” said Sampson Veterans Memorial Cemetery Director, Bill Yale.

Senator Nozzolio secured over $3.3 million in State funding needed to construct the Sampson Veterans Memorial Cemetery, which officially opened in July of 2011.  The Cemetery is the final resting place for over 160 veterans and their spouses, and is located on the hallowed ground of the former Sampson Naval and Air Force bases, where over one million sailors and airmen trained in preparation for battle to defend the United States of America.  This resting place is in Romulus, New York, a beautiful setting on the eastern shore of Seneca Lake, and within the shadow of the nationally recognized birthplace of Memorial Day in Waterloo.

All honorably discharged veterans and their spouses are eligible for burial at the Sampson Veterans Memorial Cemetery.  The guidelines for the cemetery are based on federal veteran cemetery standards.  To learn more about the Cemetery, please visit www.sampsonveteranscemetery.com or call (607) 379-0197.

Senator Nozzolio sponsored and worked to enact legislation which creates the opportunity for the Sampson Veterans Memorial Cemetery to become an officially recognized New York State Veterans Cemetery.   The Cemetery is eligible to receive additional assistance from the newly created New York State Veterans Remembrance and Cemetery Maintenance and Operation Fund, as well as from the United States Department of Veterans Affairs. Individuals can now donate directly to the New York State Veterans Remembrance and Cemetery Maintenance and Operation Fund through a tax check off box on their New York State income tax return.  

The United States Department of Veterans Affairs State Cemetery Program has helped establish, expand and improve veterans cemeteries in 42 states and territories and has provided nearly 28,000 burials in 2010 alone. This program, which is designed to complement the 131 National Veterans Cemeteries across the country, has helped to establish, expand or improve 79 State recognized Veterans Cemeteries, awarding grants totaling more than $438 million. New York has never participated in this federally-sponsored program. Senator Nozzolio’s recently enacted legislation will allow New York to join the federal State Veterans Cemetery program and receive important funding and resources.

"There are many components to receiving official State and National recognition, but one of the most important is the support of local communities. Our region has demonstrated time and again its support for the Sampson Veterans Memorial Cemetery, and this continued support will be critical as we move forward and seek official State and National recognition for the Cemetery. As State Senator, I will continue my aggressive efforts on behalf of our veterans to honor their sacrifices and commitment,” concluded Senator Mike Nozzolio.

###

 Cutline for Photos Below

Pictures of the Sampson Firehouse throughout the years.

The firehouse was originally constructed as a part of the Sampson Naval Base and is today in the process of being converted into a chapel to serve the Sampson Veterans Memorial Cemetery.