“Fallen soldier supported by two comrades”. That’s the scene immortalized in crushed quartz at the Houston National Cemetery. This is not just any cemetery. It’s a place of honor, remembrance, and reflection. Welcome to the Houston National Cemetery, a final resting place for heroes.
Dedicated on December 7, 1965, the Houston National Cemetery emerged as the sole government cemetery built in the U.S. during the 1960s. It quickly became the largest of its kind. The Veterans Administration staff designed it. Uniquely, it wasn’t located on a VA hospital ground. Before Houston, the last VA cemetery was established in Eagle Point, Oregon, in 1952.
In 1973, it officially became the Houston National Cemetery. This followed the National Cemetery Act. Spread across 419.2 acres, it provides a serene landscape for over 111,000 interments as of 2021. In 2017, the Houston National Cemetery earned a place on the National Register of Historic Places.
The Hemicycle stands as the Houston National Cemetery’s most prominent memorial. It’s a unique semi-circular structure. It is managed by the National Cemetery Administration. Only two other hemicycles exist in national cemeteries. One is at Arlington, and the other is in Manila, Philippines.
At the Hemicycle’s heart are the chapel, carillon, and speaker’s stand. David Parsons, a Rice University art professor, sculpted a powerful bas relief. It depicts a fallen soldier supported by two comrades. This sculpture was installed at the chapel entrance in 1965.
The 75-foot bell tower houses a Schulmerich carillon. It boasts 305 bells. The carillon was dedicated on May 30, 1970. The carillon is fully automated.
Here lie heroes who received the Medal of Honor. Captain James H. Fields fought in World War II. Sergeant Major Macario Garcia also served in World War II. First Lieutenant Raymond L. Knight displayed bravery in World War II. First Sergeant David H. McNerney fought valiantly in Vietnam. Specialist Fifth Class Clarence Eugene Sasser showed heroism in Vietnam.
Beyond these Medal of Honor recipients, the cemetery holds other notable figures. Congressman Albert Thomas is buried here. He championed the cemetery’s establishment. Hazel Juanita Shofner, the first woman from Houston to enlist in the WAVES, also rests here.
As you wander through the Houston National Cemetery, remember its purpose. It’s a sanctuary for those who served. It is a place for families to remember. It stands as a lasting tribute to their sacrifice. The Houston National Cemetery is open daily from 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.