Governor John E. Baldacci held a Statehouse ceremony to celebrate the signing of LD 1421, “An Act to Ensure Perpetual Care of Maine Veterans’ Cemeteries,” into law. The bill, sponsored by Rep. David Cotta (R-China) and supported by the Bureau of Maine Veterans Services, establishes a trust fund for the continuing maintenance and care of veterans’ graves within the Maine Veterans’ Memorial Cemetery System.
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Gov. John Baldacci recently signed into law Ld 1421, “An Act to Ensure Perpetual Care of Maine Veterans’ Cemeteries,” a bill sponsored by Rep. H. David Cotta. Harry Hafford, president of the Northern Maine Veterans’ Cemetery Association and supervisor of the NMVC in Caribou stands second from the right behind the governor next to Terrance Leavitt, department state commander of the DAV.
“Maine veterans are our heroes,” said Gov. Baldacci. “It’s important that we ensure that they who have fought for our freedoms and way of life have the benefits available to which they are entitled; that they do not have to fight a second battle when they get home in order to obtain what was promised to them.”
The trust fund will ensure that future budget constraints do not impact the ability of veterans’ graves to be maintained.The account will receive monies from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs plot allowances and will accept donations, as well as.
The Maine Bureau of Veterans Affairs will work with the state treasurer to determine how funds in the account will be invested, and will set criteria for the expenditure of funds from the account.
“It’s important that we do all we can to recognize those who have served our nation so honorably,” said the Governor. “I applaud Rep. Cotta, the Legal and Veterans Affairs Committee, the Bureau of Maine Veterans Services and the Legislature for supporting Maine veterans.”
The bill was signed into law by the Governor on Feb. 23.
