'I am proud to introduce this commonsense legislation on behalf of families and friends of veterans who have gone before us so that more of our veterans can be remembered and honored in a VA National Cemetery as their final resting place.'
On Thursday, Congressman Rudy Yakym (IN-02) introduced the Ensuring Veterans’ Final Resting Place Act of 2025. Yakym also introduced similar legislation in the 118th Congress. This pro-veteran legislation is written to ensure that the families of deceased veterans are not constrained when deciding the manner in which their loved one is laid to rest. Specifically, this legislation allows a veteran’s survivor who initially chose to receive an urn or plaque from the VA to also have their loved one interred at a VA National Cemetery at a later date.
"We are forever indebted to our nation's veterans, and we owe it to the loved ones of our deceased veterans to honor their memory," Yakym said. "I am proud to introduce this commonsense legislation on behalf of families and friends of veterans who have gone before us so that more of our veterans can be remembered and honored in a VA National Cemetery as their final resting place."
“Ensuring that our nation’s veterans have the dignified final resting place they have earned is a fundamental duty to both them and their families in exchange for their service in uniform,” said House Veterans' Affairs Committee Chairman Mike Bost. “My friend from Indiana’s bill, the Ensuring Veterans’ Final Resting Place Act of 2025, would fix a loophole and rightfully allow a veteran’s family to inter their loved one in a VA National Cemetery, even if they previously opted for an urn or plaque. Rep. Yakym’s bill is a commonsense solution to give veteran families the flexibility to make the best burial decision for their loved one's final resting place.”
Full text of the legislation can be found here, and a one-page summary of background information can be accessed here.
Indiana wrapping up recounts in three legislative races
New traffic pattern to impact State Road 63 in Vermillion County
Illinois man arrested after chase through Vermillion, Parke counties
Garth Brooks announces The Blame It All On My Roots Tour kicking off at Gainbridge Fieldhouse
Art and photo contest open for DNR hard card licenses
IFB: Summer cookout costs decrease for Indiana shoppers, lower than U.S. average
$22 million Fourth of July water roller coaster coming to Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari
ISDA Launches IMAGE Cost-Share Program for southwest Indiana producers
July 4th: Red Cross offers safety tips for a harmless holiday
Full steam ahead: Indiana State Fair to debut new Family Train Ride in 2026
Governor Braun highlights America 250 Celebrations, encourages communities to participate with sSpecial grant program
Arts grant to support Parke Players’ summer musical, Ritz Theater
Missing teen Peyton Fulk found in Florida
Vermillion County Commissioners ready to look at solar overhaul
Know your fireworks laws, safety this holiday season
Two Parke County road closures today
