Source: National Cemetery Administration · cem.va.gov · scraped May 2026
History of Gerald B. H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery
Gerald B.H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery is New York State's sixth national veteran's cemetery and the 116th in the National Cemetery Administration.
More than 1.4 million veterans live in New York and more than 225,000 reside in the Albany/Saratoga area. The first phase of construction, encompassing 60 acres of the 351-acre cemetery, included 5,000 gravesites, 2,000 lawn crypts, 1,500 columbaria niches and 700 garden niches for cremated remains. At full capacity, Solomon-Saratoga can provide burial space for 175,500 veterans and eligible dependents.
On January 24, 2002, President George W. Bush signed legislation renaming Saratoga National Cemetery as the Gerald B.H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery. Congressman Solomon was known as the champion of veterans' causes. Among his accomplishments, he spearheaded the effort to create the cabinet-level Department of Veterans Affairs and successfully led a drive to establish the national cemetery in which he is now interred.
Monuments and Memorials The ship's bell from the USS Saratoga, CV-3, was installed as a memorial at the cemetery in 1999. The USS Saratoga was launched in 1925 and spent 20 years at sea, including action during World War II. It was taken out of service and destroyed in 1946. New York Congressman Dean P. Taylor requested the bell in 1946. It was first displayed at Saratoga Spring's Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Memorial Home, dedicated on Veteran's Day in 1949. The bell was later restored and permanently mounted at the Gerald B.H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery.
An American gray granite memorial was erected in 2001 to honor veterans from Saratoga County, NY. The monument features two granite slabs inscribed with approximately 980 names of individuals who gave their lives for their country. A granite obelisk is at the forefront of the monument.
A pyramidal black-mist granite memorial for Congressman Gerald B.H. Solomon, who was instrumental in the national cemetery's establishment and a proponent of veteran causes, was erected in 2002, the year the cemetery was renamed in his honor.
A granite and bronze memorial was erected in honor of U.S. submariner veterans on October 19, 2002.
The cemetery also has a walkway that features a number of memorials erected by various veterans and fraternal organizations in honor of events and fallen comrades.
The American Veterans (AMVETS) donated a carillon in 1999.
Notable interments
Veterans, public figures, and citizens of note buried at Gerald B. H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery, listed by section and site as recorded by the National Cemetery Administration.
Medal of Honor The Medal of Honor is the highest award for valor in action against an enemy force that can be bestowed upon an individual serving in the Armed Services of the United States.
Recipients receive the Medal of Honor from the President on behalf of Congress. It was first awarded during the Civil War and the eligibility criteria, medal design, and recognition on a recipients' grave marker have all evolved over time. There are 434 Medal of Honor recipients interred at VA national cemeteries including 6 double recipients.
» Medal of Honor recipients interred or memorialized here:
Sergeant Thomas A.
Baker (World War II). He received the Medal of Honor posthumously for service in the U.S. Army, Company A, 105th Infantry, 27th Infantry Division, in recognition of gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life at Saipan, Mariana Islands, June 19–July 7, 1944. Baker died July 7, 1944, and is buried in Section 8, Site 530.
Technical Sergeant Peter J.
Dalessandro (World War II). He received the Medal of Honor while serving in the U.S. Army, Company E, 39th Infantry, 9th Infantry Division, for actions at Kalterherberg, Germany, December 22, 1944. Dalessandro died in 1997 and is buried in Section G12, Site 1.
Specialist Fourth Class Raymond R.
Wright (Vietnam). He received the Medal of Honor while serving in the U.S. Army, Company A, 3rd Battalion, 60th Infantry, 9th Infantry Division, for actions in Ap Bac Zone, Republic of Vietnam, May 2, 1967. Wright died in 1999 and is buried in Section 7, Site 1035.
Other Burials U.S.
Representative Gerald Brooks Hunt Solomon, interred October 31, 2001 . Cemetery renamed in his honor.
Section 20, Site 7
Eligibility for burial at Gerald B. H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery
Planning ahead for a Veteran's or loved-one's final resting place can eliminate unnecessary delays and reduce stress on a family at a difficult time.
Request eligibility status for:
Veteran or servicemember Spouse Dependent family member Apply online »
Burial in a VA national cemetery is open to all members of the armed forces who have met a minimum active duty service requirement and were discharged under conditions other than dishonorable.
Directions
From Interstate 87 take exit 12 East (Route 67, Malta) and proceed east on Route 67 to the intersection of Route 9. Turn left on Route 9 and proceed north to the intersection of Route 9P. Turn right onto Route 9P and proceed east along Saratoga Lake to the intersection of Route 423. Turn right onto Route 423 and proceed east to the intersection of Route 4. Turn left onto Route 4 and proceed north. Then turn left onto Wilbur Road. Proceed on Wilbur Road to intersection of Duell Road. Turn right onto Duell Road and follow to cemetery.
Floral and grounds policy
Cemetery policies are conspicuously posted and readily visible to the public.
Floral arrangements accompanying the casket or urn at the time of burial will be placed on the completed grave. Natural cut flowers may be placed on graves at any time of the year. They will be removed when they become unsightly or when it becomes necessary to facilitate cemetery operations such as mowing. Floral pick up is the second and fourth Tuesday of each month.
Weapons policy
VA regulations 38 CFR 1.218 prohibit the carrying of firearms (either openly or concealed), explosives or other dangerous or deadly weapons while on VA property, except for official purposes, such as military funeral honors.
Possession of firearms on any property under the charge and control of VA is prohibited. Offenders may be subject to a fine, removal from the premises, or arrest.
Education and visiting programs
We are developing educational content for this national cemetery, and will post new materials as they become available. Visit the Veterans Legacy Program and NCA History Program for additional information. Thank you for your interest.
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Nearest cemeteries
The three closest veteran cemeteries to Gerald B. H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery (by straight-line distance):
- Albany Rural Cemetery Soldiers' Lot — Albany, NY (23 mi · closed)
- Prospect Hill Cemetery Soldiers' Lot — Brattleboro, VT (55 mi · closed)
- Vermont Veterans Memorial Cemetery — Randolph Center, VT (82 mi · open)
Nearby veteran-friendly funeral homes
The following funeral homes within a 50-mile radius of Gerald B. H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery have demonstrated a commitment to serving veterans through specialized services, VA benefits coordination, or dedicated honors details.
Mevec Funeral Home, Inc is a premier funeral home located at 224 Milton Avenue in Ballston Spa, NY. The property features well-appointed spaces including mevec funeral home and wilton funeral home inc. Professional offerings include pre-planning, burial services, and cremation services, handled with the utmost care by their licensed directors. General services start at $2,195. For families preferring a traditional approach, basic burial services begin at $3,995, while direct cremation is available from $2,195. The staff is experienced in coordinating with various faith traditions, specifically Catholic, Lutheran, and Christian (general).
Messinger Fountain Hills Mortuary is a premier funeral home located at 12065 North Saguaro Boulevard in Fountain Hills, NY. The property features well-appointed spaces including mortuaries, cemeteries, and crematories. Professional offerings include funeral services, memorial services, and cremation services, handled with the utmost care by their licensed directors. General services start at $1,785. For families preferring a traditional approach, basic burial services begin at $4,420, while direct cremation is available from $1,785. The staff is experienced in coordinating with various faith traditions, specifically Christian denominations (various) and Multicultural.
Townley & Wheeler Funeral Home is a premier funeral home located at 21 Midline Road in Ballston Lake, NY. With deep roots in the community, they provide a peaceful and accommodating environment to honor the memory of loved ones. Professional offerings include funeral services, cremation services, and memorial services, handled with the utmost care by their licensed directors. General services start at $1,995. The firm's dedication to service is reflected in their 5.0-star Google rating across 149 reviews.
Howard B. Tate & Son Funeral Home, Inc. is a premier funeral home located at 2237 NY 7 in Troy, NY. The property features well-appointed spaces including funeral home. Professional offerings include funeral service and burial, handled with the utmost care by their licensed directors. Direct cremation services are provided starting at $1,045. The staff is experienced in coordinating with various faith traditions, specifically Lutheran and Catholic.
Philip J Brendese Funeral Home is a premier funeral home located at 133 Broad Street in Waterford, NY. The property features well-appointed spaces including welcoming facility, chapel, and foyer. Professional offerings include cremation, ash scattering, and pre-arrangement, handled with the utmost care by their licensed directors. General services start at $1,395. For families preferring a traditional approach, basic burial services begin at $3,565, while direct cremation is available from $1,395. The staff is experienced in coordinating with various faith traditions, specifically Roman Catholic, Episcopal, United Methodist, Baptist, Wesleyan, and All faiths of the Capital District.
John J Sanvidge Funeral Home, Inc is a premier funeral home located at 565 4Th Avenue in Troy, NY. The property features well-appointed spaces including newly renovated facility, chapel, and visitation rooms. Professional offerings include pre-planning, grief support, and traditional burial, handled with the utmost care by their licensed directors. General services start at $1,595. Direct cremation services are provided starting at $1,697. The staff is experienced in coordinating with various faith traditions, specifically Catholic and Episcopal.
Carleton Funeral Home Inc is a premier funeral home located at 68 Main Street in Hudson Falls, NY. The property features well-appointed spaces including adequate space, modern funeral facility, and elegant atmosphere. Professional offerings include visitation, funeral service, and reception, handled with the utmost care by their licensed directors. General services start at $2,545. For families preferring a traditional approach, basic burial services begin at $4,975, while direct cremation is available from $2,850. The staff is experienced in coordinating with various faith traditions, specifically Catholic.
Archdiocese of Denver Mortuary is a premier funeral home located at 12801 West 44Th Avenue in Wheat Ridge, NY. The property features well-appointed spaces including on-site chapel, on-site reception room, and crematory. Professional offerings include funeral services, cremation services, and cemetery services, handled with the utmost care by their licensed directors. Traditional burial arrangements are offered from $2,250. The staff is experienced in coordinating with various faith traditions, specifically Catholic and All Faiths.