About the Organization

About the Council

Serving veterans, families, and the community in support of a National Shrine at Great Lakes National Cemetery.

Our History

The property for Great Lakes National Cemetery was purchased on November 21, 2002, with a groundbreaking ceremony held on October 14, 2004. The 544-acre site began burial operations on October 17, 2005, and currently averages ten burials per day.

The Great Lakes National Cemetery Advisory Council hosted its first annual Veterans Day Ceremony on November 11, 2005. That same year, the Avenue of Flags was established — today consisting of 100 flags and poles donated by Veterans Service Organizations and community groups. The first annual Memorial Day Ceremony followed on May 28, 2006, and a formal cemetery dedication was held on June 3, 2007.

Aerial view of the 544-acre Great Lakes National Cemetery grounds
The 544-acre Great Lakes National Cemetery grounds

Purpose & Charter

The council's purpose and goals are outlined below. Full legal disclosures appear in the site footer.

Authority

Established Under

GLNCAC was established to support programs and ceremonies at Great Lakes National Cemetery that are not funded by congressional appropriation, operating independently of the Federal Government.

Scope

Advisory Role

The council acts as a liaison between Veteran Service Organizations and community groups in all matters pertaining to veterans' memorials, burials, and ceremonial programs at the cemetery.

Meetings

How We Operate

The GLNCAC meets on the first Wednesday of every month. If the meeting falls on a holiday or is cancelled due to inclement weather, the council meets on the second Wednesday of the month.

Funding

Volunteer-Powered

All council programs and ceremonies are funded through community donations and volunteer activity. GLNCAC operates independently of federal appropriation.

Great Lakes National Cemetery

Great Lakes National Cemetery spans 544 acres in Holly, Michigan and serves as the final resting place for veterans and their eligible family members from across the Great Lakes region. The cemetery opened for burials on October 17, 2005, and currently averages ten burials per day.

Cemetery Director: Rodney Heard

Cemetery Hours: Open daily, sunrise to sunset
Office Hours: Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM

Contact the Council
American flags placed at headstones for Memorial Day at Great Lakes National Cemetery
Memorial Day at Great Lakes National Cemetery