South OC Times

The United States Department of Veterans Affairs National Cemetery Administration has recently included the California Department of Veterans Affairs' application for a veteran cemetery in Southern California on its FY 2025 Priority List. This proposed cemetery at Gypsum Canyon in Anaheim Hills would be the first of its kind in Orange County.

U.S. Representatives Young Kim and Lou Correa have been at the forefront of advocating for federal support to establish this cemetery. In August, they led a bipartisan letter to the VA emphasizing the need for such a facility. Representative Kim expressed her long-standing commitment to this project, stating, “Building a veteran cemetery in Orange County is long overdue and has been a project near and dear to my heart since my time in the State Assembly.” She added, “I’m thrilled we are one step closer to making this a reality for those who have served and their loved ones.”

Representative Correa echoed these sentiments, saying, “All gave some and some gave all.” He highlighted bipartisan support across Orange County for the project and expressed gratitude towards Rep. Kim's partnership. Correa assured continued efforts until Orange County receives its first veteran cemetery.

In July 2021, the Orange County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved $20 million for site development at Gypsum Canyon. They also allocated over 200 acres near major highways for both public and veterans’ cemeteries. The total funding from state and local sources now stands at $50 million, including contributions from recent state budgets.