AUSTIN, Texas— Today, Texas Land Commissioner and Veterans Land Board (VLB) Chairwoman Dawn Buckingham, M.D., announced that, in honor of Memorial Day, the headstones of servicemembers Killed or Missing in Action will be illuminated at the VLB's four Texas State Veterans Cemeteries in Killeen, Abilene, Mission and Corpus Christi, Texas. The grounds will be open 24 hours a day starting Friday, May 23, 2025, through Monday, May 26, 2025, for night viewing.
"This beautiful tribute is one of the many ways the VLB shows reverence for the selfless sacrifices of our nation's fallen heroes," said Commissioner Buckingham. "Memorial Day weekend is a special time for families and communities whose loved ones made the ultimate sacrifice. As VLB Chairwoman, I am beyond honored to help provide Texans with expertly maintained Texas State Veterans Cemeteries where they can cherish the memories of the brave souls lost in battle this Memorial Day."
KIA/MIA Headstone Illumination During Memorial Day Weekend at the Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery in Killeen
Texas State Veterans Cemetery Locations:
Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery
11463 Fort Hood Street
Killeen, Texas 76542
(254) 616-1770
Coastal Bend State Veterans Cemetery
9974 IH 37 Access Road
Corpus Christi, Texas 78410
(361) 248-4830
Rio Grande Valley State Veterans Cemetery
2520 South Inspiration Road
Mission, Texas 78572
(956) 583-7227
Texas State Veterans Cemetery at Abilene
7457 W. Lake Road
Abilene, Texas 79601
(325) 673-4446
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Dr. Dawn Buckingham made history in 2022, winning a statewide election to become Texas' first female Land Commissioner. As Land Commissioner, Dr. Dawn Buckingham is committed to helping Texans after a disaster, supporting Texas energy, ensuring that every child in Texas receives a high-quality public education, serving Texas Veterans, and securing the border to keep our communities safe.