GUARDIANS OF THE NATIONAL CEMETERY
Guardians of the National Cemetery is a registered 501 (c) (3) nonprofit organization and the official support committee of Washington Crossing National Cemetery, sanctioned by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. We exist to honor and remember those who served our nation while ensuring their legacies continue to educate future generations.
We are not a part of any Veterans Administration function or a part of the Washington Crossing National Cemetery
Our mission extends beyond the cemetery grounds. We also exist for educational purposes, helping the public, student, and community members understand the meaning of service, sacrifice, and remembrance.
The Guardians organize important annual events on WCNC grounds, including Veterans Day, Memorial Day, and the Unaccompanied Service held on the last Thursday of every month from January through October. Guardian volunteers help prepare for these ceremonies and support their smooth execution. The Unaccompanied Service ensure that even if a veteran has no family present, they are not forgotten. We stand for them, we honor them, and we make certain that no veteran takes that final journey alone.
GUARDIANS-HONOR GUARD
The Honor Guard exists under the umbrella of the Guardians of the National Cemetery. It is composed entirely of honorably discharged veterans who volunteer their time and service. These fully volunteer, dedicated teams serve Monday through Friday, providing rifle salutes, the playing of TAPS, and, on occasion, the folding and presentation of the American flag, ensuring every veteran receives the honors they have earned.
The volunteer Honor Guard teams are not affiliated with any Veterans Service Organization but are an essential part of the Guardians’ mission. Washington Crossing National Cemetery is one of only two national cemeteries in the country with a fully volunteer Honor Guard made up of dedicated teams who serve Monday through Friday. They have never missed a veteran’s service, and their unwavering devotion ensures that every ceremony is carried out with precision, dignity, and heartfelt respect.