U.S. Senator Jim Risch (R-Idaho) has called on the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to establish a national veterans cemetery in North Idaho. In a statement, Risch highlighted the challenges faced by veterans in North Idaho who currently lack access to a VA national or state-grant-funded cemetery within their region.
“While veterans in southern Idaho are well-served by VA national and grant-funded state cemeteries, veterans in North Idaho are forced to choose between forfeiting this honor or being buried outside Idaho,” wrote Risch. “[. . .] Idaho’s veterans served our country with distinction, and they should not be forced to be buried across state lines and away from their families simply because there is no other option.”
Currently, Idaho has one VA national cemetery located in Buhl and two additional cemeteries funded through state grants in Eagle and Blackfoot. The closest VA cemeteries for residents of North Idaho are situated out-of-state, with options available only in Medical Lake, Washington, and Missoula, Montana.
The senator’s request aims to address the geographic gap for veteran burial services in North Idaho.
