Visiting a national cemetery affords an opportunity to walk among headstones that chronicle American history, a chance to remember and honor the nation's war heroes and a place to say a last farewell to family and friends. National cemeteries in the United States were introduced during the Civil War, near the battlefields, military hospitals and campgrounds of the war. In 1862, legislation was signed authorizing the federal government to purchase ground for use as national cemeteries “for soldiers who shall have died in the service of the country.” Up until then, the dead were hastily buried in fields, churchyards, or close to the hospitals or prison camps where they died. Today, there are 136 national cemeteries in all. Eagle Point National Cemetery is one of three National Cemeteries in the state of Oregon. Open daily from sunrise to sunset for visitation. WHERE: 2763 Riley Rd., Eagle Point MORE INFO: 541-826-2511,www.cityofeaglepoint.org
