“Dignity and respect.” These words encapsulate the ethos of Quantico National Cemetery. Here, veterans who served in the United States Armed Forces find their final resting place. Quantico National Cemetery stands as a testament to their service and sacrifice.
Quantico National Cemetery is in Triangle, Virginia. It is adjacent to Marine Corps Base Quantico. The cemetery was established in 1983. It spans 725 acres. More than 40,000 interments have taken place here.
The land where Quantico National Cemetery now rests has a rich history. It was used by the Commonwealth of Virginia for Navy operations around 1775. Later, it served as a blockade point for the Confederate Army during the Civil War. In 1918, a permanent Marine base was established at Quantico. In 1977, the Marine Corps donated 725 acres to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. This donation led to the creation of the national cemetery. Quantico National Cemetery was formally dedicated on May 15, 1983.
Quantico National Cemetery is not without its past controversies. In October 1983, reports surfaced that some veterans were not being buried with proper dignity. Some were buried naked or wrapped in sheets. Some were even placed in plastic bags or cardboard boxes. This revelation led the Commonwealth of Virginia to take action. They passed a resolution to ensure all veterans at National Cemeteries receive the respect they deserve.
Today, Quantico National Cemetery is home to several monuments and memorials. The first was dedicated to Edson’s Raiders on August 6, 1989. This monument honors the 800 members of the First Marine Raider Battalion. This battalion played a vital role in pushing back Japanese troops in the British Solomon Islands.
The Purple Heart Memorial was dedicated on August 7, 1990. It honors Purple Heart recipients interred at the cemetery. General George Washington created the Purple Heart in 1782. It was originally awarded for heroism. The medal fell into disuse but was revived by Gen. Douglas MacArthur in 1931. Now, it recognizes soldiers wounded or killed in defense of the nation.
Other memorials honor the Fourth Marine Division, known as the “Fighting Fourth.” There is also the Commonwealth of Virginia Memorial, honoring all veterans. The First Marine Division Memorial is here. The 6th Marine Division Memorial honors the “Striking Sixth.” This division won the Presidential Unit Citation for its actions in the Battle of Okinawa during World War II. The memorial’s design is based on an Okinawan tomb.
Quantico National Cemetery is the final resting place for many notable individuals. Captain Frederick C. Branch, the first African-American officer of the Marine Corps, is buried here. Hector A. Cafferata Jr., a Medal of Honor recipient for his actions during the Korean War, also rests here. Blues guitarist and singer John Cephas is interred here. Charles Colson, a Watergate figure and later an Evangelical Christian leader, is here. Herbert Harris, a U.S. Representative from Virginia, is also buried here.
Colonel William “Rich” Higgins, who was captured and killed in Beirut, has a cenotaph here. Major League Baseball player Chuck Hinton rests here. Colonel William A. Lee, a three-time Navy Cross recipient, is interred here. Louis R. Lowery, a World War II Marine combat photographer who captured the first flag raising on Iwo Jima, is buried here. Matthew G. Martínez, a U.S. Representative, is also here. Brigadier General Samuel R. Shaw, an advisor to President John F. Kennedy during the Cuban Missile Crisis, is interred here. Eugene M. Stoner, the engineer and firearm designer who developed the AR-15, rests here. Novelist Leon Uris, who based his novel Battle Cry on his experiences as a Marine, is buried here. General Lewis W. Walt, Assistant Commandant of the Marine Corps, and his wife Nancy, an Army Nurse during World War II, are also interred here.
Quantico National Cemetery continues to honor veterans. The staff works to maintain the appearance and preserve the legacy of the cemetery. They ensure it remains a pristine and respectful place. The cemetery is open daily to the public from sunrise to sunset. Visitors are asked to be respectful and mindful of the solemn surroundings.