Gerald B. H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery
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Gerald B.H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery is a United States National Cemetery located in the Town of Saratoga in Saratoga County, New York. It encompasses 351.7 acres, and as of the end of 2005 had 5,012 interments.
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[edit] History
Dedicated on July 9, 1999 as Saratoga National Cemetery, it was the 116th National Cemetery. It was renamed to Gerald B. H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery on January 24, 2002, in honor of Congressman Gerald B. H. Solomon, who was known for his support of veteran's causes, and who is interred there. During his tenure in the U.S. House of Representatives, he sponsored the legislation which created the Department of Veterans Affairs and secured approval for the creation of the national cemetery now named for him. He served in Congress from 1979-1998, and was Chairman of the powerful Rules Committee in the House at the time of his retirement. As of the end of 2005, only the first 60 acres were developed for interments.
[edit] Notable monuments
- The ship’s bell from the USS Saratoga.
- A pyramidal memorial made of granite, erected in 2002 and dedicated to Congressman Gerald B.H. Solomon.
[edit] Notable interments
Sergeant Thomas A. Baker, Medal of Honor recipient for action in World War II. Technical Sergeant Peter J. Dalessandro, Medal of Honor recipient for action in World War II.
- Gerald Brooks Hunt Solomon, US Congressman.
- Specialist Fourth Class Raymond R. Wright, Medal of Honor recipient for action in the Vietnam War.
