The new Kansas Veterans' Cemetery at Fort Riley, located at 5181 Wildcat Creek Road in Manhattan, opened for interments March 2, 2009. The Kansas Commission on Veterans' Affairs held its official cemetery dedication ceremony in April.
The state veterans' cemetery program provides veterans and their families in-ground casket burials with pre-placed double depth grave-liners, above ground columbarium walls, in-ground cremain burials, and a scattering garden memorial wall. During its first year of operation, the Kansas Veterans' Cemetery at Fort Riley has interred 75 veterans and dependents and has 617 pre-certifications to date.
Cemetery staff has been busy training and conducting presentations the past several months. In August, Equipment Operator Andy Thurlow attended turf grass training in Wichita. He also had the opportunity to assist the Kansas Veterans’ Cemetery at Winfield in a team effort of resetting headstones at their cemetery site.
Cemetery Manager Gwen Seymour has conducted many cemetery presentations to include the Kiwanis Club in Junction City, the Fort Riley Retiree Council, Manhattan Methodist Veterans Group, the Lions Club, Fort Riley Appreciation Day, and the Kansas Funeral Directors Association, both in Junction City and Leavenworth.
General Maintenance and Repair Technician Scott Zima attended a Grasshopper training session in Wichita in October. Administrative Assistant Cecelia Shellnut conducted a cemetery presentation to a group of veteran Kiwanis in November.
The Kansas Veterans' Cemetery at Fort Riley participated in its first annual Wreaths Across America ceremony on December 12th. Despite cold temperatures, freezing rain, and slick road conditions, the ceremony was well attended to support its nationwide effort - to remember the fallen, honor those who serve, and teach our children the value of freedom. Christmas wreaths were placed at each gravesite by family members and volunteers immediately following the ceremony.
Plans for our upcoming Memorial Day service are currently underway. This annual service will take place at our committal shelter on May 31, 2010 at 11:00 a.m. As with all services at our cemetery, it is free and open to the public to attend.
Cemetery office hours are Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. For more information, to schedule a presentation or tour, or to pre-certify for burial, please contact us at (785) 717-3050. We look forward to serving veterans and their families in the Fort Riley area and abroad.
Click here for map and directions.