Staff Writer
During a recent meeting of members of the Northern Maine Veterans Cemetery Corporation in Caribou, Hafford, supervisor at the facility announced that the web site for the establishment was up and running. Dave Bell of Webb Impressions in Caribou was responsible for setting up the web-site and was on hand to share more information regarding the on-line availability, what the site offers, changes that will be incorporated when necessary and also fielded questions from the audience.
Aroostook Republican photo/Barb Scott
Harry Hafford, right, supervisor at the Maine Veterans Cemetery, Caribou, recently accepted a $1,000 donation from Terrance Leavitt, commander of the Department of Maine Disabled Veterans. The funds will be used to help complete the footbridge being constructed near the Memorial Park area at the veterans cemetery.
Hafford commented that the site gives a complete overview of the services available at the veterans’ cemetery, ceremonies, on going projects and a history of the establishment, including those who have given so generously of their time and labor to ensure projects are completed and various areas well kept.
To date projects that have been accomplished include: a living memorial carillon; POW/MIA Remembrance Park and reflection benches; the second phase augmentation to the Columbarium Walls with 216 additional cremation niches to accommodate the popular burial option well into the future; as well as continuous landscaping and grounds beautification.
On going projects at the NMVCC include: the construction of a memorial footbridge to the POW/MIA Remembrance Park, named for devoted benefactor, the John Noble family of Caribou, allowing for more convenient visits for senior citizens as well as those with physical restrictions. Future construction of a Veterans Memorial Building, to enhance burial services, including handicap accessible restrooms with both an interior and exterior entrance. This building would also include a detailed history of Maine’s veterans and the roles they played in protecting the nation’s freedom. The creation and maintaining of an honored Avenue of Flags and to create an area for memorial markers enabling an option for families/friends to honor their loved one, regardless of where they resided or are interred.
During the recent meeting Hafford, on behalf of the Northern Maine Veterans Cemetery accepted a $500 donation from the JFK Chapter of Disabled Veterans in Bangor, presented by George W. Mathis, commander of the JFK Chapter.
Hafford also accepted a $1,000 donation designated to assist in the footbridge project, from Commander of the Department of Maine Disabled Veterans Terrance Leavitt. Hafford stated, “This money goes a long ways, the footbridge project will be completed this year.”
The Northern Maine Veterans Cemetery Corporation is an all volunteer, non-profit organization striving to bring awareness and well deserved respect to options for a final resting place for the nation’s honorable discharged veterans. A top priority is the enhancement and beautification of the northern most nationally recognized veterans cemetery in Maine.
The goal of the NMVCC is to work cooperatively with the state of Maine Bureau of Veterans Affairs, along with public, private and religious entities as well as professional organizations to advocate for veterans in matters relating to burial options.
The NMVCC has vigorously pursued the mission set forth and has built enduring support both locally and nationally with both public and private donations, as well as matching grants, that have bolstered the ability to provide the best possible options for honored burials in northern Maine.
The NMVCC is well versed in burial benefits and strives to maintain and continually enhance the Maine Veterans Cemetery – Caribou, cementing the memories of their experience and the interment as ones to be proud of. The cemetery is highly committed to making all decisions based on the needs of the veteran and their families. The 21 member committee strives to have at least one member from every major Veterans Service Organization.
Hafford encourages everyone to peruse the NMVCC Web site at maineveterans cemeterycaribou.org.
Aroostook Republican photo/Barb Scott
George W. Mathis, commander of the JFK Chapter of Disabled Veterans, Bangor, recently presented a $500 donation Harry Hafford, supervisor at the Maine Veterans Cemetery in Caribou.
Aroostook Republican photo/Barb Scott
Harry Hafford, right, supervisor at the Northern Maine Veterans Cemetery, Caribou, thanks Dave Bell of Web Impressions for his time and work creating the Web site for the NMVCC. The on-line site offers viewers an overall picture into the veterans cemetery including its history, projects and available services. The site may be viewed at maineveteranscemeterycaribou.org.
