World War II veterans are dying at the rate of 1,000 to 1,500 a day; Vietnam vets are leaving us at about 600 a day. Many of them are being buried in veterans cemeteries, which are running out of room. To help take care of that need, new cemeteries are being created, including one in Bloomfield.
The Missouri Veterans Cemetery at Bloomfield conducted its first interment on Sept. 29, 2003. The cemetery’s website says that the cemetery has an approximate capacity of 27,000 gravesites. The cemetery is located on 65 acres of the historically significant and scenic Crowley’s Ridge in the Bootheel of Missouri. The cemetery shares a common entry with the Stars and Stripes military newspaper museum and library.
How to get to the cemetery
The cemetery is located on Highway 25 on the southern edge of Bloomfield.
- From Highway 60 take Highway 25 north exit toward Bloomfield. Travel approximately 4 miles north and the cemetery will be located on the west side of Highway 25.
- If arriving from the north on Highway 25, travel through Bloomfield and the cemetery will be located at the southern edge of Bloomfield on the west side of the road.
We’ll do a story on the Stars and Stripes Museum soon (maybe even tomorrow).
Less than five minutes away is the Stoddard County Confederate Memorial. It has grave markers for 121 Stoddard County Confederate soldiers, nine civilian “political prisoners” and 22 non-Stoddard Countians who died in the Civil War. What’s unique is that each stone has inscribed on its back the cause of death of the person.
Here’s a piece I did about a mysterious gravestone at the Santa Fe National Cemetery.
The cemetery is beautiful. We (veterans groups) put out Christmas wreaths on all the graves in early December. The museum (Stars and Stripes) is very interesting and all should visit both when in the area. I have also been to the Confederate cemetery. A lot of Civil War history in that area.
Yes, they could not have chosen a more beautiful site for the veteran’s cemetery than the one at Bloomfield. It’s a great source of pride for the community, and they make sure that it is meticulously groomed and cared for. Every patriotic holiday is celebrated on the grounds with a moving ceremony.
Can’t say the same for the Confederate Cemetery. The last time I was there, the flag was in tatters. The interesting thing about this cemetery is that each marker tells how and where the soldier died. It is fascinating! Very, very sad experience to walk along those graves and think of the horror that those men must have gone through for a lost cause.
To Madeline: I have to disagree that the Confederate soldier were fighting a “lost cause”. Like todays soldiers, they were fighting for their country, and for their beliefs. I find that honorable and humbling. They suffered massive casualties throughout the war in both blood and homesteads.
I fought during the Vietnam war and even though we “lost” that war, I did not feel like it was a “lost cause”. We battled fiercely and with honor.
We fought for our families, our buddies, and our nation. I do not feel like it was a lost cause now, nor did I think so then. I feel like we did our best to preserve what we think is a very valuable commodity: Freedom.
So, don’t feel sad for those men; feel honored to be amoung such champions for Freedom.
Don — ECHO that. I served in Viet Nam. None of us loved that war.. Most of us served honorably. I offered my life for my friends and they offered their lives for me. Some of them gave “all” and with them will always be a part of me. Hard to understand if you weren’t involved personally. For those of us that have fought for our lives, life just has a different meaning, it’s a feeling that the protected will never know … Very proud to have served.. I have been a few different things in my life and have been “called” a few different things, but I will always be a “Raider”, 4th United States Cavalry. Mackensies Raiders Viet Nam ’69-’70… Good to hear from you Don
Burt
I just want to say this to Mr. Don Wareing: Thank You.
Yes, I knew someone would take issue with the word “lost,” but that’s okay. I’ve studied enough of the Civil War to know how heartbreaking and cruel it was for the ones left behind to pick up the pieces.
I really feel that there are no victors in war–Everyone loses. However, I accept your praise for the bravery and honor of the men who fight for a cause.
I disagree that we lost the Vietnam War. We quit. There’s a difference. I’m sorry that so many of you were so poorly treated when you came home. There’s no excuse for that.
Burt-If I recall, you also served in either Laos or Cambodia. Were you one of Mackenzie’s Lurps? Good to see you hanging in there. I was there in 69-70 also. Long Bien with 3rd Ord, running the React Force on the bunker line around the ammo dump. Me and my M60. Crazy times, crazy people…but guys who would and did die for you. You never forget the guys that were your brothers. Things fade, but those memories will live on. They have to. Good to hear from you also.
Good post. I LOVE old cemeteries (and new ones) and need to get down to Bloomfield to roam through both. I especially look forward to reading all of those stories at the Confederate Memorial. Thanks!
I would like to say I SALUTE all men that fought in all the wars, from the Revolutionary War, War of 1812, The Civil War, THe Spanish-American War, WW1, WW2, Korea, Vietnam, Desert Storm, Iraq and Afghanistan.
We need men that will take responsibility to protect and defend our country from all enemies foreign and domestic to Be willing to put their life on the line to protect our freedom.
May God Bless all you who served and are still serving.
TO ALL THE BRAVE AND WONDERFUL MEN AND WOMEN WHO HAVE SERVED AND WHO SERVE NOW WITH THERE “HEARTS AND GUTS” TO KEEP US ALL SAFE ” THANK YOU” AND IGNOR ALL THE IGNORANT NAYSAYERS, THEY HAVEN’T GOT A CLUE OR A BACKBONE
Hi, am interested in coming to the museum, and bring family from out of state, called the phone number listed with no response. Can anyone give me the hours of operation, so that we can visit. Its a long way to drive, to find out that it is closed.
Thank you,
TDW
I agree Don!! Any time one dies for our country , family , friends it is an honor . Anytime you die so another person can live and live free is not a lost cause.
Thanks for sharing i agree yes am interested in coming to the museum, and bring family from out of state
I have a question? Iam a US veteran and currently signed up at Bloomfield. What all does the veteran get as far as funeral services? Is the furneral paid for? Do i need to contact my funeral home to let them know iam a veteran?
This is far out of my area of expertise. I saw this answer in a Frequently Asked Questions section in this link from the Missouri Veterans Commission. The website has contact info on it:
Will the VA pay for my burial”
No. However, for deaths on or after September 11, 2001, the VA will pay a burial allowance of up to $2,000 if the Veteran’s death was service-connected and up to $300 if the Veteran was receiving compensation or Veteran’s pension at the time of death. Veterans who die in a VA medical facility or a state Veterans home may also be eligible for a burial allowance. The VA will also pay a plot allowance, with some exceptions, of up to $300 if the Veteran is eligible for the burial allowance and is buried in a private cemetery.