The only National Cemetery in New York City is in Brooklyn. Visit the beautiful and historic Cypress Hills National Cemetery, the final resting place for 21,000 veterans and dependents from the American Revolution to the Vietnam War. The cemetery was opened in 1862, and is older than Arlington National Cemetery.

Take a walk to visit the graves of 24 Medal of Honor winners and soldiers from more than 200 years of American History. See the graves of such notables at Marine Corps legend Dan Daly, Colonel Benjamin Ringgold, and Coxswain John Cooper (two-time Medal of Honor winner).

Ticket policy: The VA does not permit ticket sales. This is a free tour and is a bonus to anyone who purchases either World War I New York: A Guide to the City’s Enduring Ties to the Great War, or The Governors Island Explorer’s Guide, from the author.

Note that Cypress Hills National Cemetery is in three different locations on Jamaica Avenue. The walking tour begins at the historic gates at 625 Jamaica Ave. The second part of the walk will be in the private Cypress Hills Cemetery at 833 Jamaica Ave. ***MEET AT 625 JAMAICA AVE.*** (The gates are big, iron, black, and have artillery shells on top of them).

Cypress Hills National Cemetery Fam Tour
625 Jamaica Avenue, Brooklyn, NY, 11208
Tuesday, May 22, 2018, begins 11:00 a.m.

Should we wear comfortable shoes?
Yes! Comfortable shoes are a staple for any kind of walking tour. Close-toe shoes.

How long do the tours last?
Tours generally last 2.5 hours.

Where does the tour take place?
This tour takes place in three parts of the National Cemetery.

DIRECTIONS

By car:
Jackie Robinson Parkway to 625 Jamaica Avenue is the National Cemetery (look for the eagles on the front entrance so you know you are at the correct gate).

By subway:
J train to Norwood Avenue, walk northwest 2.5 blocks on Hale Avenue to the front gates.

Led by Kevin C. Fitzpatrick, an author and Marine veteran. Kevin has written and edited seven books with ties to New York City history. His most recent is World War I New York: A Guide to the City’s Enduring Ties to the Great War (Globe Pequot Press). It won an Apple Award in 2018 for Outstanding Achievement in Book Writing (non-fiction). Kevin has been guiding since 1999. He is the program director for the WWI Centennial Committee for New York City.