SENATOR NOZZOLIO ANNOUNCES $2 MILLION IN STATE FUNDING FOR THE SAMPSON VETERANS MEMORIAL CEMETERY

Continuing his dedication to our Nation’s veterans and the Sampson Veterans Memorial Cemetery, New York State Senator Michael Nozzolio announced that he has secured $2 million in state capital funding for the continued development of the cemetery.  This substantial funding will be used to complete the renovation of the former firehouse into an Interfaith Chapel and Welcome Center, as well as other lasting improvements to the cemetery. 

“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. As we approach Veterans Day, we pause to remember those who have borne the cost for our freedom. They deserve a place of dignity as their final resting place and it is fitting that we honor and pay tribute to those sacrifices,” said Senator Mike Nozzolio.

“For many years, Senator Nozzolio has worked to honor our veterans and pay tribute to their honorable service,” said Sampson Veterans Memorial Cemetery Director Bill Yale. “This funding will allow the cemetery to move forward with its Phase II construction plans, by completing the renovation of the former WWII era fire house into an Interfaith Chapel and Welcome Center, ensuring that our veterans and their eligible dependents are laid to rest with dignity and honor.” 

Senator Nozzolio fought hard to create the Sampson Veterans Memorial Cemetery and has continued his support of the cemetery with state funding that totals over  $5 million since the official installation ceremony in 2008.  Seneca County has been a major partner in this effort and the state funds will be designated to the County to complete Phase II construction.

Senator Nozzolio also sponsored and worked to enact legislation that would establish a New York State veteran’s cemetery system, a policy supported by the United States Veterans Administration and adopted by most states.  Sampson Veterans Memorial Cemetery is a high priority to be officially recognized as a New York State Veterans Cemetery once the system is finalized and in place.  

The Sampson Memorial Cemetery is located on the site of the former Sampson Naval Training Station and Sampson Air Force Base, which 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 and 300,000 airmen during its years in operation.  

All honorably discharged veterans and their spouses are eligible for burial and there are currently over 300 veterans and family members now resting for eternity at the cemetery. The guidelines for the cemetery are based on federal veteran cemetery standards.  For further information go to: www.SampsonVeteransCemetery.com or call Bill Yale at (607) 379-0197.