If you ever entered San Francisco from the 280 you probably noticed the national cemetery in San Bruno, the Golden Gate National Cemetery. When the San Francisco National Cemetery in the Presidio reached capacity and San Franciscans voted to bar cemeteries in the city’s vicinity, San Bruno was chosen. The San Francisco misnomer has created frequent confusions.
The first interment was in June 1942. Ironically interment can be easily confused with the Internment, which was arranged at the same time a mile below the cemetery at the Tanforan Assembly Center.
The monumental entry gate sets the tone for the memorial park. Signs explain the etiquette to fit the tone, no sports activities, dogs, etc. By 1966, veterans from World War II and Korea and later Vietnam filled the grounds to capacity. You can circle the round drive. If you are looking for someone in particular you can use the grave locator from the US Department of Veteran Affairs.
It is overwhelming to see the rows and rows of white tombstones; you really feel the impact of wars.
The Golden Gate National Cemetery is open 7 days a week from 8 am – 5 pm. It is closed federal holidays except Memorial Day and Veterans Day. 
If you are fascinated by gravesites you should visit Colma, the town with almost 1000 times more dead people than living.