Statehouse — Legislation authored by State Rep. Randy Frye (R-Greensburg) that memorializes and honors Indiana service members unanimously passed the House last week
House Bill 1056 would allow the Indiana State Veterans Cemetery to include more than one location and expands the list of those eligible lists to be buried at the sacred grounds. Currently, the only veterans’ cemetery in the state, the Indiana Veterans Memorial Cemetery (IVMC), is located in Madison.
The measure calls for a second cemetery to be located in Tippecanoe County and designated as a State Veterans Cemetery.
Currently, veterans who are not dishonorably discharged, retired National Guard and reservists, those who die in the line of duty, spouses and children under the age of 21 of eligible veterans, and permanent dependents are eligible for burial at the IVMC.
Frye’s bill would allow reserve members of the armed forces, members of the Indiana Army National Guard, Indiana Air National Guard, and Reserve Officers’ Training Corps to be laid to rest at IVMC cemeteries.
Spouses, minor children, and unmarried adult children of eligible Hoosiers could also rest with their families.
“In Indiana, we value our service members both past and present along with their families. We recognize that these sacred memorials are great reminders of the sacrifices those before us made and of the steep price of the freedoms we enjoy today,” Frye said.
The measure now heads to the Indiana Senate for consideration.
