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   In June, the Press-Citizen shared the story of Longville VFW Post 772’s effort to restore veteran grave markers that have slowly sunk into the ground after decades of frost, moisture and natural settling.

   Now, that project is moving from fundraising to restoration.

The grave marker of U.S. Navy veteran Wesley Richards is partially lifted from the ground as volunteers begin the process of raising and restoring the sunken marker. Photos by Katelyn DeLost.

   Debra Baker, Senior Vice Commander of VFW Post 772 and a retired U.S. Navy Commander, said the VFW and its spouses wanted to provide an update to the community after successfully reaching the fundraising goal for Phase I of the project.

   “We want people to know that their money is being used for what we said it would be used for,” Baker said.

   For years, VFW members have placed flags, wreaths and other markers on veterans’ graves during Memorial Day, Christmas and other holidays. During those visits, volunteers began noticing that some veteran grave markers were gradually disappearing into the ground. Some had become so deeply embedded that they were difficult to see, particularly during the spring when standing water and ice could cover portions of the markers.

   VFW members surveyed Fairview Cemetery in Remer, Riverside and Salem cemeteries in Longville, as well as several burial sites in the Swatara area. The survey identified 93 veteran grave markers and headstones in need of lifting, leveling or repair.

   The restoration work includes raising markers that have sunk into the ground, leveling stones that have shifted over the years and making repairs where necessary. The goal is to ensure the graves can be easily located and that the veterans’ service continues to be properly recognized and honored.

   With Phase I funding now secured, the project has entered its next stage.

   Working in partnership with Northland Companies, the restoration work began on August 20. Work continued at Riverside Cemetery in Longville on August 25.

VFW members (from left) Mike Olson, Wayne Richards, Scott Septrick and Ron Johnson stand beside the recently raised grave marker of U.S. Navy veteran Wesley Richards. Wesley is Wayne’s father. The Richards family marker also commemorates Wesley’s wife, Barb, and daughter-in-law, Amy.

   The beginning of the physical restoration is an important milestone for the project and a tangible result of the community’s support.

   The cemetery restoration effort is the first phase of what the VFW hopes will become a longer-term project. Looking ahead, the organization would like to work with local communities to explore the possibility of installing granite veteran memorial monuments at Fairview and Riverside cemeteries. Preliminary estimates place the cost of those memorials at approximately $66,000. Baker emphasized that the memorials are a long-term goal and that plans, costs and other details could change as the project develops.

   For now, however, the focus remains on completing the initial restoration work and caring for the existing veteran grave markers.

   Baker and the members of VFW Post 772 expressed their appreciation to the community members who contributed to Phase I and helped make the restoration work possible.

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