[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 173 (Monday, October 5, 2020)]
[Senate]
[Page S6036]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               OPENING OF THE CHEYENNE NATIONAL CEMETERY

  Mr. ENZI. Mr. President, I rise to speak on the opening of the 
Cheyenne National Cemetery and the hard work that has been put in to 
this project over the past few years.
  This is a historic accomplishment for Wyoming. The Cheyenne National 
Cemetery is the first veterans cemetery in Wyoming that is run by the 
Department of Veterans Affairs. Before I became a Senator, Wyoming was 
campaigning for a national cemetery within the State. Once I was in the 
Senate, I had the opportunity to help advance this project with the 
help of veterans, F.E. Warren Air Force Base, and the patriotic people 
of Wyoming. They are all to be congratulated, and I know all are 
thankful this day is finally here.
  The opening of this national cemetery will allow veterans in rural 
areas to be buried in their home State. Before it was constructed, 
veterans had to go to neighboring States in order to be laid to rest. 
Now, the Cheyenne National Cemetery will be used to serve approximately 
22,000 veterans and their families. Wyoming has worked for a long time, 
in conjunction with the VA, to give our State veterans what they 
deserve: a place to rest in peace alongside their fellow 
servicemembers. Burial services have also been expanded to veterans' 
spouses and other eligible family members, for they too have sacrificed 
so much for their country.
  National cemeteries are a way to honor our service men and women and 
serve as a constant reminder that freedom isn't free. It comes to us at 
great cost and tremendous personal sacrifice. Each name that has been 
enshrined has a story to tell about someone who left family and 
friends, safety and security behind to be part of a cause much greater 
than themselves. In the end, many of them gave up all of their 
tomorrows so that today's world might be a better place for us all to 
live.
  I am extremely proud of the steps that the VA and the great State of 
Wyoming have taken in order to honor our veterans. We must never forget 
the sacrifices of these brave men and women.

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