By Barbara Scott
Staff Writer
Members of the Northern Maine Veterans Cemetery Corporation gathered at the Henry B. Pratt Jr., American Legion Post Home in Caribou on Dec. 16 for an annual meeting and dinner.
Aroostook Republican photo/Barb Scott
Harry Hafford, chairman of the Northern Maine Veterans’ Cemetery Corporation in Caribou, addresses members and guests in attendance at the Dec.16 annual business meeting. The annual meeting and dinner was held at the Henry B. Pratt Jr., American Legion Post Home in Caribou.
During the business meeting Harry Hafford, chair of the corporation, announced that since there had been no sign of available grant money for the construction of a chapel at the cemetery, consideration was being given to raise funds in order to reconfigure the committal shelter, in order for it to be more convenient and user friendly.
Hafford also informed the members that he would like to see the conference room, in the main building, undergo a few changes including the addition of display cabinets that would allow for military artifacts, donated by veterans and their families to be permanently on display for visitors to peruse. As Hafford spoke on this matter, he told of a field trip that had been scheduled for students. Because the cemetery had nothing available on display to benefit the students, the trip was ultimately cancelled.
It was agreed that the display cabinets would be constructed and installed by Loring Job Corps carpentry students, with the NMVC providing the materials for the project.
Another project, started approximately two years ago is the Walls of Honor, which will hold tiles bearing the names of veterans inscribed with their specific rank, branch and date(s) of service. Although the basic four walls are in place, Hafford has been waiting for bids on pavers (which will match those used around the columbarium walls). Last week, the cemetery corporation received two such bids and work will begin in the spring as will the sale of the individual tiles.
Jody Smith, who works to maintain the pristine grounds at the facility, as well as supervising building and mechanical maintenance projects was recognized by Hafford and the NMVC corporation members for the continuous conscientious service he provides. Members were informed of one particular time when Smith rebuilt a gear case for one of the snow blowers with a cost of $150 — a new item would have cost $7,000.
It was noted that it was like Santa’s workshop year round and the facility was very fortunate to have Smith and his talent available at the NMVC.
Also recognized for their consistent support of the corporation, helping in a wide variety of ways was Caribou City Manager Steve Buck.“If I have a problem or need something straightened out, I go see Steve and he always is there for us,” said Hafford. Buck replied that he was more than glad to be of assistance to the facility, saying, “You’ve served us (city) a lot more than I have served you.”
Hafford offered special a special thank you to Sharon Campbell (Sen. Snowe rep), Barbara Hayslett (Cong. Michaud rep.), Phil Bosse, (Sen. Collins rep.) and Rep. Peter Edgecomb, for their continuing support and availability regarding the cemetery and veteran issues.
The Aroostook Republican was also recognized for providing coverage of the various ceremonies held at the NMVC and for articles informing the public of ongoing and completed projects.
