Rock Island National Cemetery

Rock Island National Cemetery

Located at Rodman Avenue, Rock Island, Illinois 61299, the Rock Island National Cemetery serves as a sacred resting place for veterans and their families. Situated within the historic Rock Island Arsenal along the Mississippi River, this cemetery holds a profound historical significance, dating back to its establishment in 1863. Originally designated for Union soldiers who perished while guarding Confederate prisoners, the cemetery has expanded over the years to encompass 66.8 acres, with 53.3 acres developed to honor those who served in various conflicts, including the Civil War, World Wars, Korea, Vietnam, and more recent engagements in the Persian Gulf, Afghanistan, and Iraq.

The cemetery is part of a larger network that supports the Veterans Legacy Memorial (VLM), a digital initiative dedicated to preserving the memory of nearly 10 million veterans. Through VLM, families and visitors can engage with interactive features to post tributes, share military service timelines, and upload images and documents, ensuring that the legacy of our nation's heroes endures.

For those planning to visit, the cemetery is accessible through the Rock Island Arsenal, with detailed directions available from the Quad-City Airport. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., and the cemetery remains open on Memorial Day and Veterans Day, closing on other federal holidays. Visitors should note that access requires crossing the Moline Bridge, and all visitors are asked to respect the solemn dignity of this national shrine.

The cemetery provides burial space for both casketed and cremated remains, offering eligibility to veterans and their families, including spouses, minor children, and under certain conditions, unmarried adult children with disabilities. Military funeral honors are available through local veterans' service organizations, ensuring a respectful and honorable farewell.

Rock Island National Cemetery also includes a Confederate Cemetery, where approximately 1,950 Confederate soldiers are interred, reflecting the complex history of the site. Among the honored are recipients of the Medal of Honor, including Private First Class Edward J. Moskala and Private First Class Frank Peter Witek, who demonstrated extraordinary valor.

Visitors are encouraged to maintain the cemetery's dignity by adhering to guidelines regarding grave decorations and conduct. The placement of fresh flowers is welcomed, while regulations prohibit attaching objects to grave markers. The cemetery's serene environment and historical significance offer a place of reflection and remembrance for those who served our country with honor and distinction.