The two veterans organizations dedicating the memorial that day, were members of the Gudgeon and Delaware Valley Chapters of the US Submarine Veterans of World War II and members of the New Jersey North and South Bases of the US Submarine Veterans, Inc.

Remarks were given by New Jersey Assemblyman Matt Ahearn and the New Jersey US Senator Diane Allen was the Guest Speaker.

In attendance were members of the Disabled American Veterans Chapter 15 and Chapter 3149 of the Veterans of Foreign Wars.

In 1981 Brigadier General William C. Doyle, the Director of Human Services Division of Veterans Programs and Special Services, initiated a plan for the development of state veterans cemeteries. The State of New Jersey became one of the first states to develop a Veterans cemetery under the program.

On Memorial Day, May 30, 1986, Governor Kean dedicated New Jersey's first state-operated veterans cemetery as "A lasting memorial to those men and women who put their lives on the line to defend our country's honor and freedom."

The cemetery was named for Brigadier General Doyle on January 3, 1989 as a tribute to his efforts on behalf of veterans cemeteries.

It is located on 225 acres in a picturesque setting of partially wooded land in Arneytown, North Hanover Township, Burlington County and features a modern, non-denominational chapel and administration building. Areas are provided for the interment of those cremated and for those veterans whose remains have never been recovered. The cemetery will accommodate 154,000 veterans and eligible family members.