Designated Veterans Cemeteries - An Unasked For Expense?

With so many small cemeteries in the state struggling to make ends meet, why are taxpayers being forced to fund a new cemetery just for veterans? The Sampson Veterans Cemetery project is getting half a million dollars in taxpayer money, while just down the road in Ovid, the Union Cemetery is almost out of money, which could lead it to being closed for new interments. While I would never disregard the sacrifice our men and women in the military made for us, I'll bet many of them would not approve of this use of our money. Wouldn't they rather their final resting place be with their family, neighbors and loved ones - you know, the ones whose freedom they were fighting for?

 Why not use the money to pay for special memorials in the existing cemeteries - giving recognition to our soldiers while at the same time helping keep the cemeteries solvent.