Families gather for first burial service at Pikes Peak National Cemetery

Multiple families gathered in Colorado Springs as the cremated remains of four veterans from each branch of the military were laid to rest in the Pikes Peak National Cemetery Thursday.

It’s the U.S. Department of Affairs newest national cemetery, and Jodi Swift, the daughter of one of the interred veterans, was here to see the first burial service taking place.

“My dad passed 11 years ago. My mom was just not comfortable having a funeral at that point, so she waited for the cemetery to be built,” said Swift.

The 374-acre cemetery was built to last 100 years and hold 200,000 grave-sites and will be the third national cemetery in Colorado. Construction is still underway, with the initial phase of the project looking to be completed in 2019.

Cemetery Director Paul LaGrange said it was a great day for Colorado Springs.

“The satisfaction of having a cemetery here in Colorado Springs for the veterans and their families, it’s been a long time and so deserving of this community,” LaGrange said.

Because of the Pikes Peak National Cemetery, families were able to get that closure that they have always wanted.

Swift and the Grant family came to celebrate the life of U.S. Army Veteran James Grant, and his influence is still playing a major part in their life.

Swift said, “She wanted him close to us, she didn’t want him buried up at Fort Logan. So we waited however long it took, so today is a great day for us.”

Grant Winters, who is Swift’s son and James’ grandson, also served in the Army.

“I was looking into the military, but the ultimate decision was that I could follow into his footsteps,” said Winters.

The veterans received military honors and were recognized with the toll of the honor bell.