MARQUETTE — Last week, Upper Peninsula state Reps. Dave Prestin, Greg Markkanen and Karl Bohnak, all members of the Republican Party, proposed legislation which would sponsor the creation of a veterans’ cemetery in the Upper Peninsula.

House Bill 5843 of 2026 was introduced by Prestin and referred to the Committee on Appropriations. The bill appropriates funds to conduct a cemetery location analysis and feasibility study by the Michigan veterans affairs agency, as well as creates an Upper Peninsula veterans’ cemetery fund.

The total estimated cost of the project is $5.7 million and the tentative date of completion if the bill is passed is in 2030.

“Veterans from the U.P. should be able to be laid to rest in the place they proudly call home,” said Prestin in a statement released on Tuesday. “For too long, the surviving families of veterans have had to travel long distances to honor their loved ones. This plan would bring that opportunity closer to home, allowing families to maintain a stronger connection with those who sacrificed to defend our freedoms.”

The Lower Peninsula has several cemeteries designated for veterans and their families, but this would be the first in the U.P.

“This plan puts significant state resources behind honoring the service of Upper Peninsula veterans,” said Markkanen, in the same statement. “There is still work to do, but this legislation creates a clear path forward to get this project moving and ensure U.P. veterans and their families receive the recognition and support they deserve.”

“Our veterans answered the call to serve this country, and we have a responsibility to honor that service,” noted Bohnak. “Establishing a state veterans cemetery in the U.P. is a lasting way to support veterans and their families while showing our gratitude for the sacrifices they made to protect our freedoms.”

Annie Lippert can be reached at 906-228-2500, ext. 550. Her email address is alippert@miningjournal.net.