Walk onto the grounds of the Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery in Rittman and the first thing you'll notice isn't the silence. It’s the wind. It whips across those rolling hills in Medina County with a kind of persistent energy that feels intentional. Most people just call it the "Rittman cemetery," but that’s technically a bit off—the address is Rawiga Road, and while it’s synonymous with Rittman, it serves as a massive, solemn anchor for the entire Great Lakes region.
It is big. Really big.
We are talking about 273 acres of land that used to be part of the Training Center for the Ohio National Guard. Today, it stands as one of the most active national cemeteries in the United States. If you’ve ever driven past and wondered why there are so many cars lined up on a random Tuesday, it’s because this isn't just a park or a historical site. It is a living, breathing place of transition.
The Reality of Burial at Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery
A lot of folks assume that because it’s a national cemetery, it’s basically "full" or restricted to high-ranking officers. That’s a total myth. Honestly, if you’re a veteran with a discharge that wasn't "dishonorable," you’re likely eligible. This includes members of the Reserve and National Guard who served their time. Spouses and certain dependent children can be buried there too.
The VA (Department of Veterans Affairs) handles the whole thing. They don't charge for the gravesite, the opening or closing of the grave, the liner, or the headstone. That’s a massive financial relief for families. You’ve still got to pay the funeral home for their services—the casket, the transportation, the prep—but the "real estate" part is covered as a final thank you from the government.
Don't expect a traditional graveside service where everyone huddles under a green tent by a hole in the ground. That doesn't happen here. Because of the volume of interments—sometimes dozens in a single day—services are held in "committal shelters." These are open-air stone structures. You get about 20 minutes. It sounds brief, maybe even rushed to some, but there is a profound, rhythmic dignity to it. The Honor Guard performs, the flag is folded, Taps is played, and then the family departs while the cemetery staff handles the actual burial later that afternoon.
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The Landscape and the "Look" of Rittman
The aesthetics are strictly controlled. You won't find plastic flowers, solar-powered butterflies, or personalized benches here. It is a sea of white marble. The upright headstones are perfectly aligned, creating these long, geometric lines that seem to shift as you drive past.
For those choosing cremation, the Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery has extensive columbarium walls. These are beautiful stone structures where the cremated remains are placed in niches. It’s becoming a much more common choice, partly because the grounds are so well-maintained that a niche feels just as permanent and respectful as a traditional plot.
Navigating the 273 Acres
If you are looking for a specific grave, don't just wander. You will get lost. Use the kiosk at the information center near the entrance. You type in the name, and it spits out a map coordinate like "Section 14, Grave 502."
- The Main Flagpole: This is the heart of the cemetery. It’s where the major ceremonies happen, like on Memorial Day or Wreaths Across America.
- The Memorial Walk: There are dozens of monuments donated by various veterans' organizations. They line a path that’s actually quite peaceful for a morning walk.
- The Ponds: There are a few small bodies of water on the property that attract local wildlife. It’s not uncommon to see deer grazing right between the headstones. They seem to know they’re safe there.
Why the Location in Rittman Matters
Why here? Why not closer to Cleveland or Akron? When the VA looked for a site in the late 90s, they needed space and drainage. Rittman provided both. The cemetery officially opened in 2000, and it was designed to provide burial space for veterans for the next 50 to 100 years.
It sits on the edge of the "Western Reserve," that historical tract of land in Northeastern Ohio. The name itself is a nod to the Connecticut Western Reserve. It feels deeply "Ohio"—farm fields on one side, rolling hills on the other, and weather that can go from blinding sun to a lake-effect snowstorm in twenty minutes.
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The staff there? They are incredible. They aren't just "groundskeepers." Most of them are veterans themselves or have deep family ties to the military. They view the maintenance of the grass and the alignment of the stones as a mission. If a stone is leaning by even half an inch, they’re out there straightening it.
Common Misconceptions About the Grounds
People often ask if they can "reserve" a spot. The short answer is no. You can't go out there and pick a nice tree to be buried under and sign a contract for it. Eligibility is established at the time of death. However, you can (and should) apply for "Pre-Need Eligibility."
Basically, you send your DD-214 and some paperwork to the VA now. They review it and send you a letter saying, "Yes, you're eligible." This doesn't reserve a specific hole in the ground, but it saves your grieving family from having to dig through old filing cabinets for discharge papers while they're trying to plan a funeral.
Another thing: the "Military Honors" part. People think the cemetery provides the 21-gun salute automatically. Actually, the cemetery coordinates with local volunteer groups and the branch of service. In the Rittman area, we have some of the most dedicated volunteer Honor Guards in the country. These are older vets, usually, who show up in all kinds of weather to make sure their brothers and sisters get a proper send-off.
Planning Your Visit
If you’re just visiting to pay respects, the gates are generally open from sunrise to sunset. It’s a public place. You don't have to be a family member to walk the grounds.
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- Check the Weather: It’s almost always windier and colder at the cemetery than it is in downtown Rittman or Wadsworth. Dress up a layer.
- Floral Policy: They are very strict. Fresh cut flowers are allowed anytime, but they get cleared away as soon as they wither. Silk flowers are usually only allowed during specific winter months (usually October to April). Anything that isn't a flower—balloons, statues, lights—will be removed immediately.
- Conduct: It’s not a playground. While walking and photography are allowed, jogging, biking for exercise, and loud music are definitely not okay.
The Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery is more than just a graveyard. It’s a map of Ohio’s military history. You’ll see stones for guys who served in World War II, Korea, Vietnam, and the more recent conflicts in the Middle East. You’ll see the "V" for Valor on some, and Purple Hearts noted on others.
Actionable Steps for Veterans and Families
If you are a veteran or a family member looking at Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery as a final resting place, stop guessing and start the paperwork.
First, locate the DD-214 (Discharge Papers). If you can't find them, request a copy from the National Archives immediately. This is the "golden ticket" for entry. Without it, the process grinds to a halt.
Second, fill out VA Form 40-10007. This is the Pre-Need Eligibility application. You can do it online or mail it in. Once you get that approval letter, put it in a folder with your will or life insurance policy. Tell your family: "I want to be in Rittman."
Third, if you’re planning a visit to a loved one, download the "VA Burial Locations" app or use the online Grave Locator before you leave the house. Cell service on the back half of the 273 acres can be spotty depending on your carrier, and having the section and grave number written down saves a lot of frustration.
Finally, consider volunteering. Groups like Wreaths Across America need thousands of people every December to place a wreath on every single stone. It is a massive undertaking that brings the community together and reminds everyone that while these veterans are gone, the ground they occupy in Rittman is held in the highest possible regard.