Fort Custer

Langeland Family Funeral Homes Veteran Funeral Services

"To care for him who shall have borne the battle and for his widow, and his orphan."

- Abraham Lincoln, Second Inaugural Address, March 4, 1865

For more in depth information go to Fort Custer's website:
https://www.cem.va.gov/CEM/cems/nchp/ftcuster.asp

Please enjoy these images and descriptions at your leisure. It is our pleasure to provide you with a sampling of Fort Custer history, as well as highlight the beautiful setting of the National Cemetery in our own 'back yard'. Please see our website for further information on complementary Langeland veteran tours

After entering Fort Custer National Cemetery on Battle Creek Boulevard you are welcomed by the Avenue of Flags. 152 flags line each side of the road, one of the largest displays of its kind in the United States. A congressional exception was granted in order to never lower or remove any of the flags, however, constant exposure to Michigan weather requires vigilant care. Each Tuesday the flags are reviewed and those too tattered for display will be replaced.

At the end of the Avenue of Flags stands a single flagpole, taller than all the others. Here flies the largest of the flags at Fort Custer. Every morning it is brought down to half mast in honor of the fallen to be laid to rest that day. Only after all the services of the day are completed, will she be raised again. A process that is repeated every day. (labeled on the map as flag pole)

At the base of the large flag pole is a stone wall holding seals of each branch of the United States Armed Forces. Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force, and Coast Guard are all exhibited, surrounded by 56 flagpoles for each state and territory. These poles remain empty except for special days of remembrance such as Memorial Day and Veteran's Day. (labeled on the map as flag pole)

In section B of Fort Custer is the German POW burial site. Part of the Old Post, these soldiers were captives during WWII and put into service to help local farmers. Volkstrauertag (German for "people's day of mourning") is observed every year by members of the German Consulate. It is a commemoration day two Sundays before the first day of Advent remembering those members of the armed forces of all nations and civilians who died in armed conflicts. This day was first observed in its modern form in 1952.

Next to the German section, in section A of the Old Post, you will find the burial sites of the enlisted men. Among them is the only unknown to be found in the cemetery. This soldier was found in a dilapidated grave site near Grand Rapids and brought to Fort Custer via caisson in 1987. The only information we have about him is found on his grave marker.

Continuing along Chippewa Way, you will come to this committal shelter. No longer used for services, it is a peaceful place for thoughtful reflection.

Located off Fort Custer Drive, the Meditation gazebo can be found at the back of section 7 at the end of a beautifully wooded path. A short easy walk is all it takes to enjoy the tranquil scene overlooking a pond. Don't forget to keep your eye on the sky, as you may get a glimpse of one or both of the American Bald Eagles that nest somewhere in the nearly 800 acre cemetery.

Winding your way back to the entrance on James B. Eads Road, then turning back on to Fort Custer Drive, across from section 10 you'll find yourself at the Memorial Pathway. This slightly hilly walkway has over 50 commemorative markers in remembrance of the men and women who have fought and continue to fight for our country. The path is slightly difficult for challenged walkers but is wheelchair accessible. It is the perfect place to sit on a bench and hear the carillon bells mark the end of a service.

Thank you for joining us on our virtual tour of Fort Custer.