BAKERSFIELD, Calif. -- Nine veterans now have their final resting place in the new Bakersfield National Cemetery. The first burials were Wednesday, and relatives say it's an important step to honor their loved ones.

"I'm very proud of him," Ressie Adams said. "I'm looking around these surroundings -- these beautiful mountains and everything. What a beautiful place that our veterans are being given. It's a wonderful, wonderful gift."

The burial site has been six years in the works, and cemetery director Wes Jones said 13 acres have now been developed. It's a site donated by Tejon Ranch off Highway 58 and Highway 223, east of Bakersfield. Jones said the total grounds cover 500 acres. "There's enough space for 250 years worth of burials," West said.

But, Wednesday were the first. The cremated remains of three Navy vets, who served in the Army, and one spouse were placed in burial sites.

It was an emotional service for loved ones. They were given flags and there was a 21 gun salute.

Elsie Garrison was there to lay her husband to rest. Robert Garrison served in the Navy in the Korean War, and he died about 18 months ago. She was grateful for the nearby veterans' cemetery.

"It's a real honor to have him being one of the first ten to be honored here in the cemetery. I appreciate everything they've done, and for the efforts they've made to make it easier for everyone," the widow said.

Thursday, the first casket burial is planned at the cemetery. Army Reserve Maj. Jason George will be laid to rest. He's a soldier from Tehachapi who was killed by a roadside bomb in Iraq in May.

Families of the veterans buried on Wednesday said it's important to them that there is a final resting place for their loved ones that is nearby and that honors their service.

"It's a comfort to us. From now on there will be a place near their homes where their loved ones can come and visit their graves," Ressie Adams said. "It gives us a closure that we didn't have before now."