By Trish Svoboda

Senators Jerry Moran and Mazie Hirono have introduced the Honoring Veterans’ Legacies and Burial Benefits Enhancements Act. This act aims to improve veterans’ memorialization and burial benefits. It proposes a nonprofit to accept donations for the Veterans Legacy Program (VLP), which funds research on veterans buried in national cemeteries. The findings are shared through educational programs. The act also ensures dignified burials for veterans and enhances burial benefits for dependents and historical Medal of Honor recipients.

Sen. Moran said the way we remember and pay tribute to veterans after their passing communicates to their families, service members, and the nation that we continue to appreciate the sacrifices of our military personnel over time. He further stated that the Honoring Veterans’ Legacies and Burial Benefits Enhancement Act is designed to guarantee dignified burials and memorialization in national cemeteries for veterans and their families. This act not only honors their service but also ensures their stories are passed down to future generations.

The American Legion, National Council on Public History, and American Federation of Teachers also endorse this legislation.