The Atlantic County Veterans Cemetery will have a new name.
County Executive Dennis Levinson announced plans to honor his predecessor and mentor, Richard Squires, who died earlier this month.
“The establishment of this beautiful and serene veterans’ cemetery was one of Dick Squires’ crowning achievements,” Levinson said. “It is only fitting that it be renamed in his honor, where the former Navy veteran of the Korean War who served on the USS Wisconsin lies in eternal peace with his wife, Winnie. It will now be known as the Richard E. Squires Veterans Cemetery.”
The cemetery was dedicated in May 1985, and originally included four acres. Over the years, it's expanded to nearly 30 acres and includes a columbarium for 900 cremation urns.
The cemetery currently serves as the final resting place for nearly 6,500 military veterans and their spouses.
Family members have expressed their deep appreciation to Levinson for his decision to honor Squires vision, dedicated service and the sincere care he put forth in helping create the cemetery.
“Although I live in Utah, I have been to the county’s veterans cemetery with dad over 40 times since it was established," said eldest son, Keith Squires. "His attention to these most special grounds and his genuine appreciation for all who will rest there was of his greatest importance.
"Dad would not have thought about being recognized in this way, but I know how honored he would be," his son continued. "He dedicated his life to supporting the men and women who serve our great nation and protect our freedoms.”
Squires was first elected to the Atlantic County Board of Chosen Freeholders in 1975. He served as freeholder chairman from 1978 to 1983.
He was Atlantic County’s second county executive for 16 years before retiring in 2000. Levinson was elected to succeed him.
In 2013, Levinson appointed Squires to serve as chairman of the Veterans Museum Committee that included veterans, historians and community members to assist with gathering, researching and accessioning artifacts and materials for the Atlantic County Veterans Museum which opened in 2017, adjacent to the county park and veterans cemetery.
“I believe he would be very proud to have his name associated with the veterans cemetery he helped create, and we are honored to provide this lasting tribute to him,” Levinson said.
