Source: National Cemetery Administration · cem.va.gov · scraped May 2026
History of Sacramento Valley National Cemetery
Sacramento Valley National Cemetery is the seventh national cemetery built in California and the 124th in the national cemetery system.
Like many lands in the western United States, the Homestead Act of 1862 facilitated the settlement of the site of what is now the Sacramento Valley National Cemetery. In the late 1860's, the site consisted of nine separate parcels, which were subsequently acquired by private citizens through preemption (an individual's right to settle land first and pay for it later) and homestead claims. During the 20th century, these separate parcels were gradually consolidated under one owner. The site was continuously used as farmland from the 1860's until it was purchased by the National Cemetery Administration in 2004. Crops raised on the property at the time of NCA's purchase included corn, alfalfa, beans, squash, and peppers.
The Union Pacific Railroad, formerly the Southern Pacific Railroad, and prior to that the Central Pacific Railroad, intersects the southeastern corner of the property. In May 1869, the famous golden spike was driven in Promontory Summit, Utah, to symbolically mark the completion of the "First Trans-Continental Railroad," connecting Omaha, Nebraska, to Sacramento. However, the rail network did not actually reach the Pacific Ocean until the completion of the Central Pacific Railroad, connecting San Francisco and Sacramento in November of that year.
The First Trans-Continental Railroad linked the West Coast with the existing railroad network in the eastern United States, and contributed dramatically to the economic development and population growth of California. The Southern Pacific Railroad leased the Central Pacific railroad in 1885; over time, the Southern Pacific Railroad grew into a massive railway network throughout the Western and Southwestern United Sates, stretching down from Portland, Oregon to New Orleans. The Southern Pacific Railroad was acquired by the Union Pacific Railroad in 1996.
Sacramento Valley National Cemetery opened for burials in 2006, and was formally dedicated on April 22, 2007.
Monuments and Memorials Sacramento Valley National Cemetery features a memorial pathway lined with a variety of memorials that honor America's veterans. As of 2017, there are 9 memorials here.
Notable interments
Veterans, public figures, and citizens of note buried at Sacramento Valley National Cemetery, listed by section and site as recorded by the National Cemetery Administration.
Newman Camay Golden was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, on October 12, 1919.
He joined the Army Air Corps during World War II, graduated from the Tuskegee pilot training program in 1944, and served with the 99th Fighter Group in Italy. Photographer Toni Frissell recorded the Tuskegee Airmen stationed at Ramitelli in 1945. Flight Officer Golden appears in several photographs. Soon after, on March 20, during a bomber escort mission over Austria, Golden parachuted from his damaged aircraft. He was imprisoned at Moosburg until Allied forces arrived to liberate the camp. Golden then enlisted to serve in the Korean War. On October 17, 1951, 1st Lieutenant Golden's aircraft was hit, burst into flames and crashed. Golden was missing in action until March 31, 1954, when his status changed to killed in action. 1st LT Golden received the Purple Heart, and in July 2014, a memorial for him took place at Sacramento Valley National Cemetery .
Section MW, Row A, Site 01-A
Staff Sergeant Jake Melvin Larson (World War II.) Larson (1922–2025), also known as "Papa Jake," was born in Hope, Minnesota.
He lied about his age to enlist in the Minnesota National Guard in 1938, joining up before his sixteenth birthday. He served with the 34th Infantry Division during World War II and landed on Omaha Beach on D-Day. Larson also fought at the Battle of the Bulge and was awarded the Bronze Star and the French Legion of Honor for his service. Larson began an unlikely second career as a TikTok creator when his granddaughter posted a video about his military service. After gaining popularity on TikTok, in 2021, he wrote The Luckiest Man in the World: Stories from the Life of Papa Jake. He now rests in Section 30, Site 339.
Eligibility for burial at Sacramento Valley 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 Sacramento: Take I-80 West approximately 28 miles to Exit 60, Midway Rd. Turn left onto Midway Rd. and the cemetery will be 1.3 miles on the right.
From Sacramento International Airport: The cemetery is 33 miles (53 km) from Sacramento International Airport (SMF). Take Interstate 5 North towards Woodland. Merge onto 113 South towards Davis. Take Interstate I-80 West. Take Exit 59 "Meridian Rd/Weber Rd". (DETOUR for unusable bridge at exit 60), Turn left onto Weber Rd. Travel 1.1 miles, then turn left on Lewis Road. Follow Lewis Road to the "T" at Midway Road. Take a right on Midway Road and the cemetery will be 1.2 miles on the right.
Floral and grounds policy
Fresh cut flowers may be placed on graves and in the gravel, areas surrounding the columbarium and memorial walls at any time and will be removed once they become unsightly. In addition, all items placed on gravesites can be removed to accommodate grounds maintenance to include removal of artificial flowers. Floral pickup is conducted every Wednesday of each month along with daily pick up of faded or unsightly arrangements and other items.
Cemetery furnished temporary flower cones are available and located throughout the cemetery in specially marked containers.
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 Sacramento Valley National Cemetery (by straight-line distance):
- Benicia Arsenal Post Cemetery — Benicia, CA (29 mi · closed)
- Mare Island Naval Cemetery — Vallejo, CA (31 mi · closed)
- San Francisco National Cemetery — San Francisco, CA (53 mi · closed)
Nearby veteran-friendly funeral homes
The following funeral homes within a 50-mile radius of Sacramento Valley National Cemetery have demonstrated a commitment to serving veterans through specialized services, VA benefits coordination, or dedicated honors details.
Higgins Chapel is a premier funeral home located at 1310 A St. in Antioch, CA. The property features well-appointed spaces including funeral home, facility for visitations, and facility for funeral services. Professional offerings include basic services, embalming, and preparation of body, handled with the utmost care by their licensed directors. General services start at $2,445. For families preferring a traditional approach, basic burial services begin at $4,495, while direct cremation is available from $2,445. The staff is experienced in coordinating with various faith traditions, specifically Catholic.
Neptune Society of Northern California - Sacramento is a premier funeral home located at 5213 Garfield Avenue in Sacramento, CA. The property features well-appointed spaces including celebration of life center, modern funeral home, and chapel. Professional offerings include basic services of funeral director and staff, arrangement conference, and coordination services, handled with the utmost care by their licensed directors. General services start at $2,160. For families preferring a traditional approach, basic burial services begin at $5,245, while direct cremation is available from $2,160. The staff is experienced in coordinating with various faith traditions, specifically Asian Traditions, Buddhist, Catholic, Hispanic Traditions, Hindu, Muslim, Protestant, Jewish, Black Traditions, Chung Yeung Festival Traditions, and Día de los Muertos Traditions.
Brentwood Funeral Home is a premier funeral home located at 839 First Street in Brentwood, CA. The property features well-appointed spaces including arrangement room, beautiful views, and celebration of life center. Professional offerings include arrangements by phone or email, basic services of funeral director and staff, and burial, handled with the utmost care by their licensed directors. Direct cremation services are provided starting at $3,255. The staff is experienced in coordinating with various faith traditions, specifically Asian Funeral Traditions, Black Funeral Traditions, Buddhist Funeral Traditions, Catholic Funeral Traditions, Christian Funeral Traditions, Chung Yeung Festival, Día de los Muertos, Hindu Funeral Traditions, Hispanic Funeral Traditions, Jewish Funeral Traditions, Muslim Funeral Traditions, Protestant Funeral Traditions, and Qingming Festival.
Oak Park Hills Chapel is a premier funeral home located at 3111 North Main Street in Walnut Creek, CA. The property features well-appointed spaces including recently renovated, multiple chapels, and reception room. Professional offerings include cremation services, funeral & memorial services, and funeral preplanning, handled with the utmost care by their licensed directors. General services start at $3,095.
Windsor Healdsburg Crematory & Mortuary is a premier funeral home located at 9660 Old Redwood Hwy. in Windsor, CA. The property features well-appointed spaces including on-site crematory, offices, and event space. Professional offerings include customized end-of-life services, pre-need funeral services, and funeral services, handled with the utmost care by their licensed directors. General services start at $1,095. For families preferring a traditional approach, basic burial services begin at $2,995, while direct cremation is available from $1,195. The staff is experienced in coordinating with various faith traditions, specifically Catholic, Christian, and Methodist.
Sunset View Cemetery Association is a premier funeral home located at 101 Colusa Avenue in El Cerrito, CA. The property features well-appointed spaces including cemetery, reception hall, and newly renovated facility. Professional offerings include funerals, burial options, and cremation options, handled with the utmost care by their licensed directors. General services start at $2,820. For families preferring a traditional approach, basic burial services begin at $2,900, while direct cremation is available from $2,820. The staff is experienced in coordinating with various faith traditions, specifically All Faith Traditions and Catholic.
Graham-Hitch Cremation and Memorial Center is a premier funeral home located at 4167 First St. in Pleasanton, CA. With deep roots in the community, they provide a peaceful and accommodating environment to honor the memory of loved ones. Direct cremation services are provided starting at $1,560. The firm's dedication to service is reflected in their 4.5-star Google rating across 8 reviews.
Lafferty & Smith Cremation and Funeral Services is a premier funeral home located at 725 College Avenue Ste 1 in Santa Rosa, CA. With deep roots in the community, they provide a peaceful and accommodating environment to honor the memory of loved ones. Direct cremation services are provided starting at $1,596. The firm's dedication to service is reflected in their 4.7-star Google rating across 7 reviews.