Riverside National Cemetery
The Riverside National Cemetery is a national cemetery located in Riverside, CA, that serves as the final resting place for many members of the United States Armed Forces. The cemetery was established in 1976 and covers more than 921 acres of land, making it one of the largest national cemeteries in the country.
The cemetery is home to over 200,000 gravesites, including those of veterans from every conflict in American history, from the Civil War to the present day. The cemetery is a solemn and respectful place, where visitors can pay their respects to those who made the ultimate sacrifice for their country.
One of the most notable features of the Riverside National Cemetery is the Avenue of Flags, which is a row of 89 flagpoles that fly the flags of each of the 50 states, as well as the five branches of the military, the Merchant Marine, and the POW/MIA flag. The Avenue of Flags is an impressive sight and serves as a powerful symbol of the sacrifice and service of those buried in the cemetery.
The cemetery also features several memorials and monuments, including the Medal of Honor Memorial, which honors the recipients of the Medal of Honor who are buried in the cemetery. The memorial features a granite wall with the names of all the recipients engraved on it, as well as a sculpture of a soldier holding the American flag.
Another notable monument in the cemetery is the Prisoner of War/Missing in Action Memorial, which honors those who were captured or went missing in action during their service. The monument features a bronze sculpture of an American eagle and a list of the names of those who are still missing or were prisoners of war.
The Riverside National Cemetery is also home to several events throughout the year, including Memorial Day and Veterans Day ceremonies, which honor the service and sacrifice of those buried in the cemetery. The cemetery also hosts Wreaths Across America, an annual event where wreaths are placed on the graves of veterans during the holiday season.
In addition to its role as a final resting place for veterans, the Riverside National Cemetery also serves as a resource for the community. The cemetery offers educational programs for students and veterans, as well as assistance with obtaining military benefits and honors.
Overall, the Riverside National Cemetery is a place of great importance and reverence, where visitors can pay their respects to those who served and sacrificed for their country. With its vast array of gravesites, monuments, and memorials, the cemetery serves as a powerful reminder of the courage and sacrifice of those who have defended the freedoms that we enjoy today.