Chattanooga National Cemetery to expand to Meigs County

MEIGS COUNTY, Tenn. (WDEF) — Chattanooga National Cemetery is expanding to a new home in East Tennessee, which is a big announcement for local veterans.

The Chattanooga National Cemetery was established in December 1863. After reaching capacity, the federal government has bought land for a new cemetery.

The Department of Veterans Affairs purchased property in the Blythe Ferry area of Meigs County to expand the Chattanooga National Cemetery.

“The contract was in fact signed with the seller, and with the VA. And now we are going to have probably one of the most beautiful, picturesque national cemeteries that will take care of worthy veterans, and their spouses for years to come,” said Tennessee Representative Chuck Fleischmann.

Chattanooga National Cemetery (From VA)

For nearly 160 years, the current national cemetery has served as the final resting place for veterans. It has also served as a place to bring dignity and honor to heroic loved ones.

Representative Fleishmann said he wanted to make sure the new cemetery stayed in East Tennessee.

“I wanted the new cemetery to be in the great state of Tennessee. I’ve got a lot of friends in Alabama, got a lot of friends in Georgia, a lot of friends in North Carolina, wonderful people. Great brother and sister states to Tennessee. However, I wanted this new cemetery expansion to be in the great state of Tennessee,” Fleischmann said. “Fortunately, we were able to accomplish that task.”

The V.A. will begin preparations for the new cemetery very soon. In the meantime, the congressman says help is on the way.

“Between the administration, myself, are concerned local veterans that the burial needs. And we should honor our veterans while they’re living, but we want to make sure that our veterans have a suitable resting place. That will be fulfilled now for decades to come, if not centuries to come,” Representative Fleischmann added.

There is no official word yet on when the new cemetery will be completed.