Omaha National Cemetery

Omaha National Cemetery
Name	Omaha National Cemetery
Established	1867
Country	United States
Location	Omaha, Nebraska
Type	United States National Cemetery
Owner	United States Department of Veterans Affairs
Size	20.9 acres
Graves	approx. 13,000

Omaha National Cemetery is a United States national cemetery located in Omaha, Nebraska, established in 1867 to inter veterans and eligible family members from conflicts including the American Civil War, Spanish–American War, World War I, World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War. The cemetery serves as both a burial ground and a site for commemorative ceremonies associated with United States Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Affairs National Cemetery Administration, Veterans Day, Memorial Day, and regional veteran organizations such as the American Legion and the Veterans of Foreign Wars. The grounds reflect historic funerary practices linked to national cemeteries created after the American Civil War and to federal policies enacted during Reconstruction and the late 19th century.

History

The cemetery was founded shortly after the American Civil War when federal policy created national cemeteries to inter Union dead; it followed precedents set by cemeteries such as Arlington National Cemetery, Balmoral Cemetery, and other early sites established under the National Cemeteries Act. Omaha’s site was selected in proximity to the Department of the Platte and transportation hubs including the Union Pacific Railroad and the Omaha Stockyards to facilitate interments of veterans and remains transported from posts across the Great Plains. In the late 19th century, burials included veterans of the Indian Wars and personnel associated with installations like Fort Omaha and Fort Robinson. During the 20th century, interments expanded to include those from the Spanish–American War, Philippine–American War, and both World Wars, reflecting broader shifts in U.S. foreign engagements such as operations in World War I, World War II Pacific Theater, and the Korean War. Postwar legislation like the National Cemetery Act of 1973 and the creation of the Veterans Administration influenced administration and expansion. Local civic groups including the Omaha Historical Society and the Douglas County Historical Society have documented burials and advocated preservation efforts alongside federal agencies.

Design and Layout

The cemetery’s plan features axial walks, a central memorial landscape, and regimented burial sections consistent with design principles found at Arlington National Cemetery and other national cemeteries influenced by the rural cemetery movement and designers such as Frederick Law Olmsted and his contemporaries. Landscaping includes avenues of trees and lawn plots aligned with cardinal axes near features like the burial sections, shelter houses, and the administration area; the arrangement echoes symbolism found at sites like Gettysburg National Cemetery and National Cemetery of the Alleghenies. Plot organization accommodates single graves, family plots, and monuments for units and organizations such as the Grand Army of the Republic, Disabled American Veterans, and Disabled American Veterans National Headquarters. Headstones follow federal specifications established under policies similar to those governing Arlington National Cemetery markers, with rows denoting rank, service branch such as United States Army, United States Navy, United States Marine Corps, and United States Air Force (and predecessors like the Army Air Corps), and inscriptions conforming to Veterans Affairs National Cemetery Administration standards.

Notable Interments

Interments include veterans and figures associated with regional and national history. The cemetery contains the graves of Civil War veterans who served in regiments like the 1st Nebraska Cavalry Regiment and the 9th Illinois Volunteer Infantry Regiment; Spanish–American War veterans; World War I Doughboys; World War II servicemembers who served in theaters including the European Theatre of World War II and the Pacific War; Korean War casualties; and Vietnam War veterans. Individuals interred have affiliations with organizations such as the American Expeditionary Forces, Navy Seabees, and Marine Corps Recruit Depot alumni. The site also commemorates Medal of Honor recipients and recipients of decorations such as the Purple Heart and the Bronze Star Medal who chose interment there, alongside local civic leaders, federal employees, and veterans active in groups like the Disabled American Veterans and the American Legion.

Monuments and Memorials

The cemetery contains monuments and memorials dedicated to veterans of specific conflicts and units, echoing commemorative practices seen at national sites like Arlington National Cemetery and Gettysburg National Military Park. Markers recognize service in the American Civil War, the Indian Wars, the Spanish–American War, and the world wars, and memorials honor branches such as the United States Army, United States Navy, and United States Marine Corps. Ceremonial sites within the grounds are focal points for wreath-laying events held by organizations such as the American Legion, the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the Disabled American Veterans, and the Civil Air Patrol. Annual observances link to national commemorations including Armed Forces Day and Memorial Day, while interpretive signage and plaques provide context about units like the 1st Nebraska Volunteer Infantry Regiment and events including the Trans-Mississippi Theater.

Administration and Operations

Administration is overseen by the Veterans Affairs National Cemetery Administration within the United States Department of Veterans Affairs, with operational protocols reflecting federal standards for burial eligibility, interment scheduling, headstone provision, and perpetual care. Day-to-day operations are managed by cemetery staff in coordination with regional offices, volunteer groups such as the National Cemetery Administration Volunteer Program, and veteran service organizations like the American Legion and the Veterans of Foreign Wars that assist with ceremonies and grave decorations. The cemetery’s maintenance and records intersect with archival repositories such as the National Archives and Records Administration and local institutions like the Nebraska State Historical Society for genealogical inquiries and historical research. Funding and policy follow statutes and guidance comparable to those enacted under laws like the National Cemetery Act of 1973 and administrative directives from the Veterans Affairs National Cemetery Administration.

Visitor Information

Visitors may access the cemetery during posted hours to pay respects, conduct genealogical research, or attend commemorative events hosted by organizations such as the American Legion, the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the Disabled American Veterans, and the Boy Scouts of America for flag placements. On-site amenities include paved drives, marked sections, and interpretive markers; nearby transportation corridors include the Interstate 480 (Nebraska–Iowa) and U.S. Route 75 (Nebraska), with local access via Downtown Omaha streets and public transit hubs. Visitors seeking burial eligibility information, gravesite locations, or records can contact the Veterans Affairs National Cemetery Administration regional office or consult archives at the National Archives and the Douglas County Clerk for local records. The cemetery participates in national observances like Memorial Day ceremonies and coordinates with local veteran service organizations for volunteer events and educational programs.

Category:Cemeteries in Omaha, Nebraska Category:United States national cemeteries