Vets cemetery to take decades to finish

By Riley Yates

The Morning Call

June 19, 2008

Those wishing to see the future Washington Crossing VA National Cemetery in all its glory had better hope for a long life.

''Temporary'' is a key word for the initial efforts for the long-awaited veterans cemetery for southeast Pennsylvania, as the federal government pushes to beginning burials for the increasing number of World War II veterans who are dying.

The 205-acre cemetery in Upper Makefield in lower Bucks County will start with temporary roads, administrative facilities and committal shelters, in order to speed along burials, said William Teurk, the federal undersecretary for memorial affairs, to township residents and officials on Wednesday.

''We want to get this cemetery open while there are still some World War II veterans who can be buried,'' he said.

It will be 50 years before the entire cemetery is built to its final plans, he said.

''We will not do all this today,'' Teurk said. ''We will not do all this tomorrow, or the day after that. Much of this candidly will be done after our lifetimes.''

Efforts to build a cemetery for southeast Pennsylvania have long been in the works. In 2003, Congress approved plans for one to serve the region. The site at the Washington Crossing section of Upper Makefield was announced three years later.

But zoning disputes and other feuds delayed the project. Ground is expected to finally be broken next spring, with burials beginning near the end of 2009.

The first phase of work will include a 12-acre early burial area, with temporary facilities. In three to five years, 64-aces will be developed, providing 15,500 grave sites. An administrative building will be built, along with maintenance facilities, an entrance from Highland Road, a flag area and shelters for funeral services.

He said designs will reflect the area and be unique to national cemeteries. The administrative building will be stone Colonial and appear to be two stories, though it will only be one. It will have chimneys, despite no fireplaces.

Residents packed township hall for the presentation. Many wore military caps and applauded as Teurk took the podium. When he finished his talk one called out, ''You've sold me.''

One neighbor who lives on Washington Crossing Road, by Highland Road, said he was unhappy to hear of the entrance's planned location.

''I have no opposition to the cemetery, but I do if it's going to affect my safety,'' said Brian Purcelli.

Tuerk said the federal government will listen to local concerns.

It is estimated the cemetery will serve about 170,000 veterans who lack a nearby national or state veterans cemetery. The nearest locale now accepting burials is at Fort Indiantown Gap, 100 miles away in Lebanon County.

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