State Rep. Frye Authors Bill to Memorialize, Honor Hoosier Service Members

Friday, February 24, 2023 at 1:06 PM

The House unanimously passed the bill last week.

INDIANAPOLIS – A bill authored by State Rep. Randy Frye (R-Greensburg) is one step closer to becoming law.

The House unanimously passed House Bill 1056 last week, which allows the Indiana State Veterans Cemetery to include more than one physical location, and expands the list of veterans eligible to be buried at the sacred grounds.

Currently, the Indiana Veterans Memorial Cemetery is located between the Ohio River and Clifty Falls State Park in Madison.

Veterans not dishonorably discharged, retired National Guard and reservists, those who die in the line of duty, spouses and children under the age of 21 of eligible veterans, and permanent dependents are eligible for burial at the IVMC.

That includes free burial plots or containers, a monument and use of the chapel.

Frye’s bill would allow reserve members of the armed forces, members of the Indiana Army National Guard, Indiana Air National Guard and Reserve Officers’ Training Corps to be laid to rest at IVMC cemeteries. Spouses, minor children, and unmarried adult children of eligible Hoosiers could also rest with their family.

Another part of Frye’s legislation would all for a second IVMC to be built in Tippecanoe County.

HB 1056 now moves to the Senate for consideration.