Westmoreland Review

Chief Deputy Whip Guy Reschenthaler, alongside several colleagues, introduced the Dennis and Lois Krisfalusy Act, a bipartisan legislation aimed at improving memorial access for veteran families. The bill seeks to provide a memorial headstone or marker to eligible spouses or dependent children of veterans in national or state and tribal Veterans cemeteries, regardless of the date of death. This legislation also aims to extend this benefit beyond 2024 for an additional 10 years, ensuring that more families can honor their loved ones who served in the military.

Rep. Reschenthaler emphasized the importance of supporting veterans and their families, stating, “Our veterans and their families dedicate their lives to our country...I am honored to introduce this commonsense legislation that cuts bureaucratic red tape for families like the Krisfalusys and ensures we provide the utmost support for those who have sacrificed so much for our nation.”

Rep. Deluzio echoed this sentiment, highlighting the significance of including eligible spouses and children on veterans' memorial headstones or markers. He stated, “This bill is a powerful way to honor how important family is to our nation’s veterans, and to offer comfort to the family members they leave behind.”

Rep. Joyce emphasized the importance of allowing military spouses to be buried with their loved ones, stating, “Ensuring that military spouses can be buried with their loved ones is a vital part of honoring our commitment to the men and women who served our nation in uniform.”

Rep. Kelly underscored the significance of the legislation in honoring both veterans and their families, expressing pride in supporting the bill as a step towards honoring military families.

Rep. Meuser highlighted the need to ensure that arbitrary deadlines do not hinder military families from honoring their loved ones, emphasizing the importance of supporting the veteran community.

Rep. Thompson, as an Army dad, expressed pride in supporting the bipartisan legislation that corrects an outdated law and allows all members of military families to receive the honors they deserve.

In a statement, Pat Maxon, sister of Dennis Krisfalusy, expressed gratitude towards the legislators for their efforts in introducing the legislation. She emphasized the importance of honoring the sacrifices made by veterans and their families, stating, “Not only will Lois’s name be engraved on the memorial stone with Denny, but spouses and children of veterans will be entitled to the military rights they justly deserve.”

The Dennis and Lois Krisfalusy Act aims to rectify an outdated law and ensure that all members of military families have the opportunity to be honored alongside their loved ones.