The federal government would provide headstones to the families of veterans who are buried in tribal veterans cemeteries under legislation introduced by U.S. Rep. Bruce Poliquin (R-ME) on Thursday.
Currently, the government only provides headstones to the dependents of veterans who are interred in state or federal veterans cemeteries. Poliquin’s bill would ensure that family members of veterans who are interred in tribal cemeteries receive the same treatment.
“Our veterans and their families have all served our nation and have sacrificed to defend our freedom,” said Poliquin, a member of the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee. “The cemeteries across our country where they are laid to rest are hallowed ground that know no jurisdictions or bureaucracy. Veterans laid to rest in tribal veterans cemeteries should have the honor of being buried with their families and all should have access to headstones commemorating their sacrifices.”
The Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians created the first tribal veterans cemetery in Maine, the only one of its kind on the entire east coast, Poliquin said. “It is a great honor to serve them and to make this common sense fix so all our veterans and their families can be properly honored when they are laid to rest.”
Clarissa Sabattis, the chief of the Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians, noted the challenges that families of veterans face.
“Spouses take on the additional duties and stresses of taking care of their homes, being single parents, raising and comforting their children in times of great stress and ensuring our veterans have a home to return to,” Sabattis said. “Congressman Poliquin’s bill honors the families and acknowledges the sacrifices made by those who stay behind by providing headstones for the spouses and children of veterans who are buried in tribal cemeteries.”