Senator Brouk Passes Legislation to Help Veterans' Burial Wishes Be Honored

Albany, NY - Today, New York State Senate passed Senate Bill S4344, authorizing a veteran's close friend or family who is reasonably familiar with such veteran's wishes to request that such veteran be buried in a state veterans' cemetery.

Many veterans wish to be buried in Veteran Memorial Cemeteries. In a case where a veteran has no living family or no family is known or can be found, the deceased veteran will have no "next of kin" available to sign off on paperwork as it pertains to burial rights. This bill would allow for, in certain circumstances, a friend or neighbor to sign off for a veteran's burial rights when no next of kin is available.

NY State Senator Samra Brouk (Member of the Senate Aging Committee): “As we head into the Memorial Day holiday, we thank all those who have served our country and who are no longer with us. This bill will ensure that veterans’ burial wishes are honored, even when a next of kin cannot be identified. I’m proud to pass this bill so that New York State can honor a veteran’s service by honoring their wishes regarding their final resting place.”

Adam Bello, Monroe County Executive: “The men and women who were willing to give everything for their country and our freedoms deserve the utmost respect both in life and after their passing. This bill ensures the final wishes of veterans in New York State are granted regardless of their ‘next of kin’ status. Thank you to the New York State Legislature for working together to guarantee our community’s bravest individuals get the deference they deserve.”

Nicholas Stefanovic, Director of the Monroe County Veteran Service Agency: “On behalf of Veterans in Monroe County I must thank Senator Brouk for her swift and meaningful advocacy. In her first term as Senator she has already brought significant and positive change. This legislation will allow Veterans to maintain the honor and integrity that they earned through their service to our nation and at the same time allow our community to properly honor their sacrifice”