Commander Heather Stevens and Historian Donald Schultz of Central Square Fuller-Taylor Post 915 of New York, as a USA 250 Challenge, initiated a community service program to identify, record and mark the gravesites of all U.S. veterans in their local cemeteries.
The first step was to identify their local veterans. Schultz and others began the process of using websites such as Findagrave to begin recording. The lengthy process included going through hundreds of obituaries. The focus was on the nine local cemeteries. The information gathered included name, birth, death, branch, unit, burial location and special notes.
Then, as the weather broke, the team headed to the cemeteries. They walked every inch of the cemeteries recording and marking headstones with a small reflective veteran sticker.
The lists were recompiled and cross checked. Next Stevens, who is also the local town historian, entered all the information into a database and filled in any missing information. While she did this, the other team members worked on fundraising to purchase veteran marker holders and flags for all the currently unmarked graves. The goal was reached to purchase 400 markers at roughly $10 each plus flags. The local VFW in Hastings also contributed toward the project. When all was said and done, over 800 veteran graves were marked. The flag holders will make it easier to ensure that these heroes' graves are easier to identify and mark in the spring for years to come. It was an extremely important project for these veterans to ensure that each grave displays the symbol of a grateful nation and no one was forgotten.
During the process, an inactive cemetery was located with Civil War veterans. The post has now taken a special interest in this cemetery. Future plans include signage to honor those who rest there.
The database has been printed and bound. It is available for people to view and is being reviewed and updated periodically. Another step in the future, in addition to keeping the database up to date, is to try to get a flagpole installed in each cemetery. This project has brought a special awareness to the community regarding the service some have given and the service many at this post continue to give.
The team for this project consisted of Donald Schultz, Bruce Stewart, Paul Tennant, Tim Olmsted, Bill Monette, Maerlise Monette, Ray Senf, Mark Burghart, Bill Mullin and Heather Stevens