*** Mark Their Graves *** Petition

[Two Flints]

A year ago, the VA, in effect, shut down its program, which has been in existence for more than a century, to mark the graves of veterans whose graves were unmarked. It ended that program by redefining "applicant" for a marker so narrowly that only direct descendants, rather than historians, cemeteries, museums, veterans associations, and concerned researchers, may apply for a marker. This is wrong.
THE SOLUTION:

Speak out now. Protest! Sign our petition. And spread the word. Call your members of Congress and tell them to support legislation to change this.

Help us "Mark Their Graves!" at www.marktheirgraves.org

[Major 2]

I signed...

I had not applied for any in sometime, and was not aware this was "pending" 

[Trailrider]

I definitely agree this cancellation of this program is a shame. Given the problems created by sequestration, I'm not totally surprised. An even more pressing and shameful situation has to do with the (alleged) mismanagement of the VA new hospital building projects, especially the one in Aurora, Colorado, at the old Fitzsimmons campus. There is an article in this morning's Denver Post that describes the current problems with cost overruns, labor problems, etc. This hospital, which will be one of the largest in the VA system, with a good-sized spinal cord injury center, should have been operational a number of years ago. Latest completion date is supposed to be 2015...if there aren't further delays, cost overruns, etc.

While I absoultely agree that the marking of headstones for those who have given their last full measure of devotion should be urgently pursued, IMHO, serving those who are currently suffering or need treatment for problems encountered in previous conflicts, should take TOP priortiy! Congressman Mike Coffman, R-6th District of Colorado, a Marine Corps veteran himself, is looking into the project. There is another hospital being built elsewhere in the VA system (I don't have the article in front of me), experiencing the same problems. This may sound callous, but of the two problems, I believe finishing the hospitals should have the highest priorities AND FUNDING!

[mtmarfield]

   Greetings!

   DONE. This is for ALL of the Marfield's that fought, both North and South.

               M.T.Marfield

[paledun]

I fear this once great nation is slowly falling into confusion regarding values and priorities.  I am sure there is sufficient funding for social gatherings at the Peoples House and for poolside learning sessions for the GAO and IRS.  But why should there not be for these essential gatherings.  Nobody but the dead and forgotten at the burial sites.  Paledun, aka Reeves Smith, Lt Col Retired USAF