When Harry Hafford became involved with the Veterans Cemetery in Caribou, work he thought would involve one year, the idea for the project was really a dream, a vision of what might be possible.
Today, some 17 years later Hafford and his committee of volunteers along with generous partners have established a “world class” memorial to veterans and their families in northern Maine.
Hafford is now launching an effort to improve a key part of the cemetery, the Committal Shelter. Cary Medical Center recently kicked off the fund-raising project by making a $5,000 donation.
Kris Doody, RN and chief executive officer at the hospital said that Cary was honored to be asked to launch the fund-raising campaign and that the work of people like Harry Hafford and others have created something very special to honor veterans.
“The Veterans Cemetery in Caribou is one of the finest facilities of its kind anywhere in the nation”, said Doody, whose father, the late Lee Doody, retired after a 39-year career with the National Guard as a lieutenant colonel and was the longest standing commander of the 152nd Field Artillery Battalion. He later retired from the U. S. Army Reserve as a Colonel.
“The Veterans Cemetery here in Caribou is a remarkable achievement, a moving and lasting memorial to the men and women who have proudly worn our nation’s uniform”, said Kris Doody.
The current fund-raising campaign will benefit the cemetery by improving the Committal Shelter and making it more comfortable for those attending services. Hafford said the project, which will cost in excess of $50,000, will close in a portion of the shelter that currently is not covered and where inclement weather can be a problem.
“We have been wanting to do this for some time”, said Hafford, who is chairman of the cemetery committee. “It can be most uncomfortable for families or others who are attending committal services being exposed to the wind and rain. This project will get people out of the weather and will allow us to expand the number of people who can attend services by at least 36 individuals.”
B.R. Smith Associates of Presque Isle has been awarded the architectural design contract for the project which Hafford said he would like to complete by Veterans Day this year.
“We are really going to work hard to get the project, or at least the bulk of the work, completed by this Veterans Day so that we can make people aware of the improved facilities,” he said. “Getting this generous gift from Cary, we hope, will motivate other organizations and individuals to come forward so that we can really get the project fully underway.”
The Northern Maine Veterans Cemetery was established with an original grant in the amount of $3.4 million. Land for the cemetery, some 44 acres, was donated by John and Joyce Noble of Caribou. Over the years through grants and private donations the cemetery has received more than $8 million and has made dramatic improvements, including a grant last year of more than $900,000.
Hafford said that people, organizations and local businesses have been very generous.
“We have been very fortunate over the years to receive substantial grant funding,” said Hafford, who has directed multiple fund-raising campaigns for projects at the cemetery. “But beyond the grants the private sector has been very generous and has helped us to create the beautiful property we have today. John and Joyce Noble have been so good to us in donating the land for the cemetery and are always there when we need something. Kris Doody at Cary has been a great advocate for veterans and has been a great supporter of the cemetery over the years”.
Individuals or organizations that would like to learn more about the current campaign to improve the Committal Shelter can contact Hafford by calling 768-0525 or 435-6024 or by email at harrychafford@outlook.com.
