LANSING, Mich. (WZMQ) – Lawmakers representing Michigan’s Upper Peninsula have introduced legislation to establish a state veterans cemetery in the region, aiming to give local veterans and their families a closer option for burial and remembrance.
State Reps. Dave Prestin (R-Cedar River), Greg Markkanen (R-Hancock), and Karl Bohnak (R-Deerton) authored the legislation to allocate $5.7 million in state funding to identify a site, construct the facility, and support its initial operation.
“Veterans from the U.P. should be able to be laid to rest in the place they proudly called home,” Prestin said. “For too long, the surviving families of veterans have had to travel long distances to honor their loved ones.”
Michigan currently operates state veterans cemeteries in other parts of the state, but none in the Upper Peninsula, requiring many families to travel several hours for burial services.
The proposal also calls for a feasibility study to determine the most suitable location for the cemetery within the U.P., as well as the creation of a dedicated fund to support long-term operational costs.
“This plan puts significant state resources behind honoring the service of Upper Peninsula veterans,” Markkanen said, adding that the legislation “creates a clear path forward to get this project moving.”
Bohnak emphasized the broader significance of the effort, calling the cemetery “a lasting way to support veterans and their families while showing our gratitude for the sacrifices they made to protect our freedoms.”
The bills have been referred to the Michigan House Appropriations Committee for further consideration.
