Source: National Cemetery Administration · cem.va.gov · scraped May 2026
History of Woodlawn Cemetery Soldiers' Lot
The soldiers' lot is located in Ayer, Massachusetts, in Section 1, lots 193, 203, 206, and 211, of Woodlawn Cemetery. The federal government purchased the lots from Woodlawn Cemetery in 1918. Most of the 52 men interred in the soldiers' lot died at Fort Devens, which is located nearby. The last interment was made in 1931. All of the interments in the soldiers' lot are known.
Camp Devens was established in 1917 as part of the World War I mobilization effort. It was named after Major General Charles Devens, a Civil War veteran and Attorney General in the administration of Rutherford B. Hayes. Over the course of World War I, more than 100,000 troops came through the gates of Camp Devens. In 1931, the installation was renamed Fort Devens, and it continued to serve as a post for active duty soldiers until 1996, when it transitioned into an Army Reserve training center.
Notable interments
Veterans, public figures, and citizens of note buried at Woodlawn Cemetery Soldiers' Lot, listed by section and site as recorded by the National Cemetery Administration.
Under Development.
Eligibility for burial at Woodlawn Cemetery Soldiers' Lot
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
Woodlawn Cemetery is located on Harvard Road near Willard Street. Head west on Route 2 and take Route 110 - 111 exit. The cemetery will be on the left; the soldiers' lot is located in the back of the 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. Water will be available at outside faucets from April 15 to October 10.
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 Woodlawn Cemetery Soldiers' Lot (by straight-line distance):
- Fort Devens Post Cemetery — Devens, MA (3 mi · closed)
- Massachusetts State Veterans Cemetery - Winchendon — Winchendon, MA (24 mi · open)
- Prospect Hill Cemetery Soldiers' Lot — Brattleboro, VT (54 mi · closed)
Nearby veteran-friendly funeral homes
The following funeral homes within a 50-mile radius of Woodlawn Cemetery Soldiers' Lot have demonstrated a commitment to serving veterans through specialized services, VA benefits coordination, or dedicated honors details.
J.A. Healy Sons is a premier funeral home located at 57 North Main St. in Westford, MA. The property features well-appointed spaces including visitation room and reception area. Professional offerings include immediate need services, traditional services, and cremation services, handled with the utmost care by their licensed directors. The staff is experienced in coordinating with various faith traditions, specifically Catholic and Methodist.
Acton Funeral Home is a premier funeral home located at 470 Massachusetts Avenue in Acton, MA. With deep roots in the community, they provide a peaceful and accommodating environment to honor the memory of loved ones.
McGaffigan Funeral Home is a premier funeral home located at 37 Main Street in Pepperell, MA. The property features well-appointed spaces including historic home, spacious facilities, and landscaped grounds. Professional offerings include traditional funeral service, cremation, and memorial service, handled with the utmost care by their licensed directors. The staff is experienced in coordinating with various faith traditions, specifically United Church of Christ, United Methodist, Catholic, Baptist, and Christian.
McGaffigan Family Funeral Home is a premier funeral home located at 37 Main St. in Pepperell, MA. With deep roots in the community, they provide a peaceful and accommodating environment to honor the memory of loved ones.
Wright-Roy Funeral Home is a premier funeral home located at 109 West Street in Leominster, MA. With deep roots in the community, they provide a peaceful and accommodating environment to honor the memory of loved ones.
Wright-Roy Funeral Home, Inc. is a premier funeral home located at 109 West St. in Leominster, MA. The property features well-appointed spaces including funeral home, visitation room, and chapel. Professional offerings include traditional services, alternative services, and remembrance gatherings, handled with the utmost care by their licensed directors. For families preferring a traditional approach, basic burial services begin at $5,285, while direct cremation is available from $2,665. The staff is experienced in coordinating with various faith traditions, specifically Catholic and Methodist.
Dolan Funeral Home is a premier funeral home located at 106 Middlesex Street in North Chelmsford, MA. With deep roots in the community, they provide a peaceful and accommodating environment to honor the memory of loved ones.
Tighe Hamilton Regional Funeral Home is a premier funeral home located at 50 Central St. in Hudson, MA. The property features well-appointed spaces including chapel, beautiful rooms, and restrooms. Professional offerings include traditional funeral service, cremation services, and memorial service, handled with the utmost care by their licensed directors. Direct cremation services are provided starting at $1,975. The staff is experienced in coordinating with various faith traditions, specifically Catholic and Methodist.