To The Grounds Crew At Riverside National Cemetery,
Some of Us Live Memorial Day Every Day of the Year
Dear Riverside National Cemetery Grounds Crew,
I have had the opportunity and pleasure to meet many of you in person. You are Veterans who have continued serving our country by tending to our Fallen Heroes at one of our National cemeteries. My son, one of your fellow crew members and part of your family, has told me of your dedication to the Gold Star and other families and your brothers who have Fallen.
During all our National Holidays, it is "All hands on deck!" You don't take these days off because you are there for the families of all the men and women who are interred in Riverside National Cemetery.
How lucky we are to have people so devoted to their jobs. Many may not know about this special place and your dedication.
I have the most profound respect for you and the work you do. You do your work with love and honor. I appreciate you, and thank you - Sheri Sperry.
Here Are A Few Facts
Riverside National Cemetery is the largest and busiest cemetery managed by the National Cemetery Administration.
It was established in 1976 through the transfer of 740 acres from March Air Force Base in Riverside, California, which was called the U.S. Army's Camp William G. Haan during World War II. The cemetery was dedicated and opened for burials on November 11, 1978.
- It is currently 1,237 acres. It has lakes (reservoirs) that help water all the grass.
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There are 5 Medal of Honor recipients buried here.
- Ysmael R. Villegas
- John H. Balch
- Mitchell Paige
- Lewis Millett
- Walter D. Ehlers
- It is one of only four sites in the U.S. recognized as a National Medal of Honor Memorial Site.
- RNC's first burial was Medal of Honor recipient Army Staff Sgt. Ysmael Villegas.
- One Distinguished Service Cross recipient - Alderbert Waldron
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Four Generals
- John Groff
- Alexander Kreiser
- Chesley G. Peterson
- George Kenneth Mueliner
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Tuskegee Airmen
- John L. Hamilton
- Kenneth R. Hawkins
- Charles F. Jamerson
- Perry Willis Lindsey
- John Allen Pulliams Jr.
- Hackley E. Woodford
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Three Memorials
- Medal of Honor Memorial
- Prisoner of War/Missing In Action Memorial
- Veterans Memorial
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We don't know them all, but we OWE them all... - Unknown.
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No man is entitled to the blessings of freedom unless he is vigilant in its preservation - General Douglas MacArthur.
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Let their remembrance be as lasting as the land they honored - Daniel Webster.
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Freedom makes a huge requirement of every human being. With freedom comes responsibility. - Eleanor Roosevelt.
Riverside National Cemetery Grounds Crew - You will always hold a special place in my heart for all you have done for me and my family...
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