FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: November 4, 1997
CONTACT: Dana Hagerty 202/225-2165
(WASHINGTON, DC) -- Congressman Collin C. Peterson (DFL-7th District) has received several phone calls in his district offices over the past few days, prompted by news articles in Minnesota papers regarding allegations made by employees at Fort Snelling. The workers reportedly are saying that portions of the cemetery used to be a garbage dump, and that caskets are now being squeezed between trash.
"This issue is serious and hits very close to home for many of us," Peterson said. "Many family members and loved ones from all over Minnesota and from the 7th District have been laid to rest at Fort Snelling. In fact, I even have a member of my personal staff whose father was just buried there last year.
"Since I serve on the House Committee on Veteran's Affairs, I contacted the people at the National Cemetery System yesterday and they assured me that they will cooperate with the Inspector General in every way," Peterson continued. "Investigators have been on site since yesterday afternoon, and they will apparently remain at the site until they finish their investigation. However, they have not given us any specific time frames as to how long the investigation will take or when it will be finished.
"In addition, I have been assured that the Director of the National Cemetery System, Mr. Jerry Bowen, asked the Inspector General to move quickly on investigating this situation.
"The allegations which have been made are very serious. We need to ensure that the cemetery is treated as a national shrine, and that the veterans who have been laid to rest there have received proper and honorable burials which meet the highest standards of the National Cemetery System."