Veterans cemetery's name to reflect region's history

Philadelphia Inquirer, The, March, 2008 by Nancy Petersen Inquirer Staff Writer

In a tribute to the area's rich and tumultuous history that defined the future of the nation, the new veterans cemetery for Southeastern Pennsylvania is being named Washington Crossing VA National Cemetery. "This historic area is an ideal setting in which to build a cemetery," James B. Peake, secretary of the Department of Veterans Affairs, said in a statement released yesterday.

"The name will reflect the service and sacrifice our veterans have made for their country for centuries." The government paid $10.5 million for the 205-acre tract in Upper Makefield Township to the landowner, Toll Bros. Inc., bringing to an end a quest that lasted more than two years. "There were no problems or complications," said William F. Tuerk, VA deputy secretary for memorial affairs and the man who has led a project that has deeply divided the community. The VA announced that it had selected the tract near the ...