In less than four years since it opened on November 11, 2015, the Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery in Preston, Minn., has earned top honors from the National Cemetery Association (NCA).
At 9 a.m. on Friday, September 6, 2019, local, regional, and national dignitaries gathered for an award presentation.
On this beautiful morning, local veterans, their families, and friends, gathered at the pavilion of the Preston cemetery. Surrounded by a dewy fresh-cut lawn that rivals pristine golf course standards, the attendees gazed upon the largest American flag in Fillmore County waving in the wind as Fillmore Central High School junior Caleb Kunz sang the “National Anthem.”
Before an estimated crowd of 50 people, Glenn Powers, Deputy Under Secretary for Field Programs and Cemetery Operations (National Cemetery Administration), making his way to Preston, Minn., from Washington, D.C., to present the award, stated, “Why is this cemetery important? We believe no veteran ever dies because they have two deaths: one when the last breath leaves their body, and the second when no one mentions their name again. This cemetery ensures that our veterans are never forgotten.”
He added, “Through the joint efforts of Federal, State, County and local governments, the vision of this cemetery became a reality. It’s not only one of the most beautiful State Veterans Cemeteries in the country, but it’s also one of the best operationally.”
Senior Administrator of Memorial Affairs David Swantek, who was instrumental in the project management phase of the Preston cemetery, shared, “We are very proud of these results and our cemetery team that works so hard to make the MNSVC-Preston a national shrine. This is a confirmation that this is one of the finest veterans cemeteries in the nation.”
During the July National Cemetery Administration’s 2019 Veterans Cemetery Grants Compliance Review, the Preston Cemetery received 91 out of 93 possible points for overall quality performance in categories such as Interment Operations, Grounds Maintenance, Headstone, Market and Niche Cover, Equipment Maintenance, and other standards.
The Operational Excellence Award presented to the staff of the Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery in Preston, Minn., was the result of scoring 98%, among the highest in the nation.
From the Gravesite Assessment Review, the Preston team received an accuracy score of 100%, which means that all of the inspected headstones were set at the desired angle of 90 degrees and set at the correct height measurements.
Preston Cemetery Administrator Robert Gross expressed his gratitude, “Congrats to the team, because without you and your hard work, this would not happen, and to our many community partners, honor teams, memorial rifle squads, our sister locations, local county and cities, our leadership, and to the department (Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs)! A very special thank you to the families for putting their trust in our team and the State Cemetery program. These grounds are a shrine and are sacred.”
The Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery in Preston, Minn., atop 169 acres that was donated by Fillmore County government, is one of three Minnesota State Veterans Cemeteries. The other two are located in Little Falls and Duluth, with the Duluth location holding its dedication event on Saturday, September 21, 2019.