In New York, graduating from a public high school would come with one more condition: a veterans remembrance civic engagement requirement. The proposal, known as the "never forgotten act," would start with students entering ninth grade in the 2027-28 academic year and would take effect immediately if approved.
The point is not classroom memorization. Students would have to do at least one approved activity meant to honor, preserve or maintain the memory of deceased veterans of the armed forces.
From gravesite care to research projects
The bill gives schools a menu of qualifying activities. Students could care for, clean, beautify or maintain a veteran’s gravesite in New York, at the state veterans cemetery or at a cemetery run by the federal veterans system. They could also place flags, flowers, wreaths or commemorative markers during approved remembrance events.
Other options include joining a cemetery stewardship program approved by the commissioner, researching and presenting a deceased veteran’s life story or military service, and taking part in memorial restoration or remembrance ceremonies.
- Care for or beautify a veteran’s gravesite
- Place flags, flowers, wreaths or markers at approved remembrance events
- Join a cemetery stewardship program
- Research and present a veteran’s life story or military service
- Take part in memorial restoration or remembrance ceremonies
Sources
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