Calverton National Cemetery

Calverton National Cemetery is a military burial ground in eastern Long Island, stretching across about 1,045 acres and recognized as the largest national cemetery of its kind in the country. The site consists of wide grass fields dotted with uniform white headstones arranged in straight rows, surrounded by maintained trees and low pathways.

The site opened in 1978 as a burial ground after the Navy transferred a large tract of land to the Department of Veterans Affairs, addressing the growing need for burial space in the New York region. The location replaced a former military installation and has since expanded several times to accommodate tens of thousands of fallen service members.

Monuments throughout the grounds honor the service of different military branches in American wars, while each planted tree represents a fallen soldier. Some headstones carry Hebrew inscriptions or other religious symbols, reflecting the diverse backgrounds of the veterans buried here.

The grounds are open daily and can be accessed by car, with paved roads leading to different sections of the site. Visitors should note that some areas may be temporarily closed during holidays or ongoing military ceremonies.

Seven covered ceremony areas are arranged in a circular layout around a central plaza, allowing multiple burials to take place at the same time without interfering with one another. An underground tunnel system connects these areas and allows casket transport without being visible to mourners.