National Cemetery in Houston
Pictures and text by David Sewell
The Houston National Cemetery, originally known as the Houston Veterans Administration Cemetery, is located in Houston, Texas. The cemetery was dedicated on December 7, 1965 and covers 419 acres, slightly smaller than the 450 acres of Arlington National Cemetery. The cemetery is and can be the final resting place for any veteran and their spouse of the armed forces. The centerpiece of the cemetery is the Hemicycle, which consists of the chapel, a 305 bell carillon, and speaker's stand and is one of only three Hemicycles in national cemeteries.
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Entrance to the Houston National Cemetery |
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The Visitors Center offers maps and information about the cemetery. |
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Overall view of the Hemicycle |
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Plaque honoring Albert Thomas. He served as a Lieutenant in the U.S. Army during World War I, and almost 30 years in the U.S. House of Representatives. He was instrumental in getting the cemetery established by Congress. |
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Department of Veterans plaque in front of the speakers stand located in the Hemicycle. |
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Plaque noting the donators for the Carillon Bells. |
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Front view of the Chapel located in the Hemicycle |
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Close up view of figures engraved in wall over the Chapel entrance, two figures helping a third |
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Headstone of Staff Sergeant Marcario Garcia, Medal of Honor recipients buried at the cemetery, Staff Sergeant Marcario Garcia won the Medal of Honor fighting in Europe during World War II, Medal of Honor recipients are buried around the Hemicycle |
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Headstone of Captain James H. Fields, one of three Medal of Honor recipients buried at the cemetery, Captain James H. Fields won the Medal of Honor fighting in Europe during World War II, Medal of Honor recipients are buried around the Hemicycle |
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Headstone of First Lieutenant Raymond L. Knight, one of three Medal of Honor recipients buried at the cemetery, First Lieutenant Raymond L. Knight won the Medal of Honor fighting in Europe during World War II, Medal of Honor recipients are buried around the Hemicycle |
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View looking out over the cemetery from the second level of the Hemicycle |
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Another view looking out over the cemetery from the second level of the Hemicycle |
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Side of monument to the Fourth Marine Division of World War II showing the history of the division |
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Side of monument to the Fourth Marine Division of World War II showing the engagements of the division |
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Side of monument to the Fourth Marine Division of World War II showing the honors and medals awarded |
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Side of monument to the Fourth Marine Division of World War II showing the dedication of the monument |
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Marker showing the dedication of the Fourth Marine Division monument |
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One of three Committal Shelters at the cemetery, this where the burial ceremony takes place |
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One of the ponds and fountains at the cemetery |
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Another one of the ponds and fountains at the cemetery |
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One of several mausoleum walls for those that are cremated |
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Marker with lines from the poem The Bivouac of the Dead |
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Monument that honors the Submariners of World War II |
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Inscription on the monument that honors the Submariners of World War II |
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Monument honoring the Under Age Veterans |
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Inscription on the monument honoring the Under Age Veterans |
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Monument honoring the Texans who served in the Korean War |
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Inscription on the Monument honoring the Texans who served in the Korean War |
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Monument honoring the Ceremonial Details/Honor Guards who are used at funerals |
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Monument honoring all veterans by Veterans of Foreign Wars/VFW Post 581 |
