Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery a hidden gem south of Killeen

BELL COUNTY, Texas (KLTV) - While searching for the community of Ding Dong in Bell County, KLTV 7’s Bob Hallmark found a hidden gem just south of Killeen on Highway 195: the Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery.

The cemetery held its first burials in 2006 to serve thousands of military veterans with full military honors. Texas was the first state to integrate Space Force burials, officials said. There are five state veterans cemeteries across Texas so families can find one close to them.

Set on the edge of Texas Hill Country, the grounds carry a familiar military symmetry reminiscent of Arlington National Cemetery.

“They are set up with the precision that Arlington is, they’re beautiful,” Texas Land Commissioner and Veterans Land Board Chairwoman Dawn Buckingham said.

The immaculately kept grounds hold stories of courage and sacrifice, and every veteran is honored — even when family can’t be located.

“Occasionally we’ll have a veteran where the family can’t be located. We put that word out and we’ll have hundreds of people show up to put that veteran to eternal rest,” Buckingham said.

“It’s just truly an honor to serve our veterans in this way every single day.”

The Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery is located 8 miles south of Killeen on Highway 195.