Source: National Cemetery Administration · cem.va.gov · scraped May 2026
History of Long Island National Cemetery
Long Island National Cemetery is located in the community of Farmingdale in central Long Island, NY. It was one of seven national cemeteries created between world wars, 1934–1939. It was the Army's first major expansion since the Civil War directed at serving a growing Veteran population and the rapidly depleting burial space at existing national cemeteries. Unlike previous new cemeteries, locations were based on veterans' places of residence, especially in or near large cities. The other interwar national cemeteries are Baltimore, Maryland; Fort Bliss and Fort Sam Houston, Texas; Fort Snelling, Minnesota; Fort Rosecrans and Golden Gate, California.
Long Island National Cemetery occupies land that once belonged to the adjacent Pinelawn Cemetery, a large private lawn-park style cemetery. It was created to supplant the Civil War-era Cypress Hills National Cemetery in Brooklyn, two sections of which are embedded in the private Cypress Hills Cemetery. Cypress Hills National Cemetery grew from 3 acres to 18 acres. Twentieth-century wars and the expansion of veterans' burial benefits in 1920 created a dramatic increase in the civilian population eligible for burial were among the factors that led the government to estimate the cemetery would be full by 1938. Congress authorized the War Department to purchase land for a new cemetery in the vicinity of New York City in 1936. Two locations were considered — the Camp Upton National Military Reservation, 60 miles east of Manhattan on Long Island, and Pinelawn. The federal government purchased 175 acres of Pinelawn in January 1937 for $200,000.
The first burials in Long Island National Cemetery took place in March 1937 and the volume of interments quickly increased to an average of fifty-three per month. Beautification of the grounds and construction of permanent roads and buildings took place at the same time. Major construction projects completed in the first year included a superintendent's lodge, administration office, receiving vault and chapel, garage and comfort station all near the main entrance gate and iron fence, and a U.S. flagpole and circle, and temporary rostrum. The Office of the Quartermaster General and Quartermaster Corps designed the Colonial Revival red brick buildings with slate-shingle roofs. The cemetery was designed in formal geometric pattern with roads organizing burial sections; with a flagpole in a prominent location. A "mall" area near the flagpole serves as a Distinguished Service Section, which primarily consists of Medal of Honor recipients. The standard plaques installed here are the General Orders No. 80, National Cemetery Act, Memorial Day Order, and Gettysburg Address.
Development of burial space steadily expanded in the first years of the cemetery along with the increase in interment rates. The New Deal Works Progress Administration (WPA) supplied some of the labor for early road and building construction. A little more than three years after the first burials at Long Island National Cemetery it hosted a formal dedication on May 26, 1940, a ceremony that included a parade of 3,000 veterans and auxiliaries.
By December 31, 1947, there were more than 10,000 interments in the Long Island National Cemetery. The repatriation program for World War II (1941–45) dead that ran from 1947–1951 brought a large increase of burials at Long Island. To meet the increasing demand for burial space, the federal government purchased 72 additional acres to the north in 1951, bringing the cemetery to its current size of approximately 365 acres. In the 1950s, the cemetery cleared the newly acquired lands. The War Department considered the need for a second chapel to allow storage for up to 100 caskets, but it was not realized; meanwhile, the existing chapel was repurposed as enlarged administration building.
Improvements at the cemetery and the addition of more acreage attempted to keep up with demand, which rose with the Korean and Vietnam conflicts, rapidly increased the rate of interments at mid-century. By November 1963, the cemetery noted its 100,000th interment; the 200,000th interment occurred less than ten years later in February 1973. Land-locked Long Island National Cemetery closed to new interments in 1978. To ensure veterans have interment options, the first large columbaria were erected ca. 2002 where original roads had existed. In 2020 it ranked as one of the five busiest national cemeteries for cremated remains.
Long Island is one of more than eighty VA national cemeteries that use upright headstones and flat grave markers in separate burial sections. The cemetery was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2016.
Monuments and Memorials A granite monument affixed with bronze emblems representing Nassau and Suffolk county veteran organizations, "in memory of their departed comrades," was erected in May 1940 as part of the cemetery's official dedication.
AMVETS, All Veterans Monument, 1996.
Chosin Few Monument (Korea), 2001.
Vietnam War Monument, May 2015.
Notable interments
Veterans, public figures, and citizens of note buried at Long Island 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:
Chief Water Tender Heinrich Behnke.
He received the Medal of Honor while serving in the U.S. Navy for actions on board the USS Iowa after the blowing out of a manhole cover on the vessel, January 25, 1905. Behnke died in 1952 and is buried in Section DSS, Site 20A.
Corporal Anthony Casamento (World War II).
He received the Medal of Honor while serving in the U.S. Marine Corps, Company D, 1st Battalion, 5th Marines, 1st Marine Division, for actions at Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands, November 1, 1942. Casamento died in 1987 and is buried in Section DSS, Site 79A.
Chief Gunner's Mate John Everetts.
He received the Medal of Honor while serving in the U.S. Navy on board the USS Cushing, for the attempted rescue of a shipmate from drowning, February 11, 1898. Everetts died in 1956 and is buried in Section DSS, Site 36A.
Edmund Joseph Flaherty (World War I & II, Korea).
He was better known by his stage name Pat Flaherty and appeared or served as a technical advisor in some 200 films between 1930-50. Before his acting career took off Flaherty served in the Army at the time of the Mexican Border expedition and as a pilot during World War I. After the war he played professional baseball, pitching for the New York Giants, and professional football, punting for the Chicago Bears. During World War II he served as a captain in the Marines Corps, and he served again during the Korean War, rising to the rank of major. His filmography includes credited roles in such classic films as Mutiny on the Bounty, Sergeant York, The Babe Ruth Story, and The Jackie Robinson Story. His military and sports background, along with a large, physical presence, often led to him being cast as strong authoritarian figures such as military men, athletes, coaches, police officers and street thugs.
Gunner's Mate Third Class Robert Galbraith (Philippine Insurrection).
He received the Medal of Honor while serving in the U.S. Navy for actions at El Pardo, Cebu, Philippine Islands, September 12–13, 1899. Galbraith died in 1949 and is buried in Section DSS, Site 17.
Boatswain's Mate William Henry Gowan.
He received the Medal of Honor while serving in the U.S. Navy for actions at Coquimbo, Chile, January 20, 1909. Gowan died in 1957 and is buried in Section DSS, Site 7A.
First Sergeant Sydney G.
Gumpertz (World War I). He received the Medal of Honor while serving in the U.S. Army, Company E, 132nd Infantry, 33rd Division, for actions in the Bois-de-Forges, France, September 29, 1918. Gumpertz died in 1971 and is buried in Section DSS, Site 65.
Chief Water Tender August Holtz.
He received the Medal of Honor while serving in the U.S. Navy for actions during a fire on board the USS North Dakota, September 8, 1910. Holtz died in 1938 and is buried in Section F, Site 916.
First Lieutenant Stephen Edward Karopczyc (Vietnam).
He received the Medal of Honor posthumously for service in the U.S. Army, Company A, 35th Infantry, 25th Infantry Division, in recognition of perseverance and selfless devotion to his men during a battle in Kontrm Province, Republic of Vietnam, March 12, 1967. Karopczyc was killed in action and is buried in Section DSS, Site 5A.
Specialist Fifth Class John James Kedenburg (Vietnam).
He received the Medal of Honor posthumously for service in the U.S. Army, 1st Special Forces, 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne), in recognition of inspiring leadership and self-sacrifice as an advisor to a reconnaissance team of South Vietnamese troops in the Republic of Vietnam, June 13, 1968. Kedenburg is buried in Section 2H, Site 3684.
Eligibility for burial at Long Island 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
LaGuardia International Airport to Long Island National Cemetery. Total distance is approximately 27 miles.
Take the Grand Central Parkway eastbound to Exit 10E - Long Island Expressway 495. Travel the Long Island Expressway to Exit 49 South. After exiting, stay on the South Service Road to the 3rd set of traffic lights. This will be Pinelawn Road. Turn right onto Pinelawn Road, but be aware that Pinelawn Road changes its name to Wellwood Avenue on your way to the cemetery. Long Island National Cemetery is located on the left side of the roadway at 2040 Wellwood Avenue.
Floral and grounds policy
Our cemetery floral regulations exist only to reflect the honor and respect we hold for our Nation's Veterans, by preserving the dignity and solemnity of their final resting place.
We welcome and encourage fresh-cut flowers throughout the year for your loved one's gravesite. No permanent plantings are permitted.
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
More than half of VA's national cemeteries originated with the Civil War and many are closed to some burials. Other sites were established to serve World War veterans and they continue to expand. Historic themes related with NCA's cemeteries and soldiers' lots vary, but visitors should understand "Why is it here?" NCA began by installing interpretive signs, or waysides, at more than 100 properties to observe the Civil War Sesquicentennial (2011–2015). Please follow the links below to see the interpretive signs for Long Island National Cemetery.
A National Cemetery System Long Island National Cemetery Visit the Veterans Legacy Program and NCA History Program for additional information. Thank you for your interest.
Nearest cemeteries
The three closest veteran cemeteries to Long Island National Cemetery (by straight-line distance):
- St. Albans National Cemetery — Queens, NY (20 mi · unknown)
- Cypress Hills National Cemetery (Mount of Victory Plot) — Brooklyn, NY (25 mi · closed)
- Cypress Hills National Cemetery (Union Grounds Plot) — Brooklyn, NY (25 mi · closed)
Nearby veteran-friendly funeral homes
The following funeral homes within a 50-mile radius of Long Island National Cemetery have demonstrated a commitment to serving veterans through specialized services, VA benefits coordination, or dedicated honors details.
McCourt & Trudden Funeral Home is a premier funeral home located at 385 Main Street in Farmingdale, NY. The property features well-appointed spaces including viewing/visitation rooms, parking facilities, and reception hall. Professional offerings include traditional funeral services, cremation services, and celebrations of life, handled with the utmost care by their licensed directors. General services start at $3,433. For families preferring a traditional approach, basic burial services begin at $5,500, while direct cremation is available from $3,433. The staff is experienced in coordinating with various faith traditions, specifically Catholic, Jewish, Islamic, Lutheran, Episcopal, and United Methodist. The firm's dedication to service is reflected in their 4.8-star Google rating across 28 reviews.
Claude R. Boyd & Caratozzolo Funeral Home is a premier funeral home located at 1785 Deer Park Avenue in Deer Park, NY. The property features well-appointed spaces including chapel, sitting area, and lobby. Professional offerings include funeral services, cremation services, and pre-planning, handled with the utmost care by their licensed directors. General services start at $2,995. For families preferring a traditional approach, basic burial services begin at $2,995, while direct cremation is available from $2,995. The staff is experienced in coordinating with various faith traditions, specifically Asian Funeral Traditions, Buddhist Funeral Traditions, Catholic Funeral Traditions, Hispanic Funeral Traditions, Hindu Funeral Traditions, Muslim Funeral Traditions, Christian Funeral Traditions, Jewish Funeral Traditions, and Black Funeral Traditions.
Mangano Funeral Home - Deer Park is a premier funeral home located at 1701 Deer Park Ave. in Deer Park, NY. The property features well-appointed spaces including chapel. Professional offerings include funeral services, cremation services, and traditional burial, handled with the utmost care by their licensed directors. General services start at $3,928. For families preferring a traditional approach, basic burial services begin at $6,195, while direct cremation is available from $3,928. The staff is experienced in coordinating with various faith traditions, specifically Catholic and Various Christian denominations (implied by serving 'no matter your religion').
Vernon C. Wagner Funeral Homes is a premier funeral home located at 655 Old Country Road in Plainview, NY. The property features well-appointed spaces including gardens, mausoleums, and chapel. Professional offerings include funeral services, cremation services, and pre-planning, handled with the utmost care by their licensed directors. General services start at $3,415. Direct cremation services are provided starting at $3,415. The staff is experienced in coordinating with various faith traditions, specifically Asian Funeral Traditions, Buddhist Funeral Traditions, Catholic Funeral Traditions, Hispanic Funeral Traditions, Qingming Festival, Hindu Funeral Traditions, Muslim Funeral Traditions, Christian Funeral Traditions, Jewish Funeral Traditions, Black Funeral Traditions, Chung Yeung Festival, and Día de los Muertos.
Powell Funeral Home is a premier funeral home located at 67 Broadway in Amityville, NY. The property features well-appointed spaces including funeral home. Professional offerings include funerals, cremation, and burial, handled with the utmost care by their licensed directors. General services start at $2,811. Direct cremation services are provided starting at $2,811. The staff is experienced in coordinating with various faith traditions, specifically Methodist, Catholic, and Lutheran.
Claude R. Boyd & Spencer Funeral Homes is a premier funeral home located at 448 West Main Street in Babylon, NY. The property features well-appointed spaces including large-capacity chapel, modern funeral home, and waterside views. Professional offerings include funeral services, cremation services, and celebration of life, handled with the utmost care by their licensed directors. Direct cremation services are provided starting at $2,945. The staff is experienced in coordinating with various faith traditions, specifically Asian Funeral Traditions, Buddhist Funeral Traditions, Catholic Funeral Traditions, Hispanic Funeral Traditions, Qingming Festival, Hindu Funeral Traditions, Muslim Funeral Traditions, Christian Funeral Traditions, Jewish Funeral Traditions, Black Funeral Traditions, Chung Yeung Festival, and Día de los Muertos.
Beney Funeral Home is a premier funeral home located at 79 Berry Hill Road in Syosset, NY. The property features well-appointed spaces including flexible event space, chapel, and gardens. Professional offerings include traditional funeral, celebration of life, and cremation, handled with the utmost care by their licensed directors. Direct cremation services are provided starting at $3,295. The staff is experienced in coordinating with various faith traditions, specifically Asian Funeral Traditions, Buddhist Funeral Traditions, Catholic Funeral Traditions, Hispanic Funeral Traditions, Qingming Festival, Hindu Funeral Traditions, Muslim Funeral Traditions, Christian Funeral Traditions (Protestant), Jewish Funeral Traditions, Black Funeral Traditions, Chung Yeung Festival, and Día de los Muertos.
Michael J Grant Funeral Home is a premier funeral home located at 571 Suffolk Avenue in Brentwood, NY. The property features well-appointed spaces including brentwood location, coram location, and online showroom. Professional offerings include burial services, cremation services, and eulogies & obituaries, handled with the utmost care by their licensed directors. General services start at $1,505. For families preferring a traditional approach, basic burial services begin at $4,730, while direct cremation is available from $1,505. The staff is experienced in coordinating with various faith traditions, specifically Christian (various denominations), Catholic, and Jewish.