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   Standing among rows of weathered gravestones, members of VFW Post 772 are working to ensure the sacrifices of local veterans are not lost to time.

   For years, volunteers from the Longville VFW have placed flags on veterans’ graves ahead of Memorial Day at area cemeteries, wreaths during Christmas time, and other holidays. During those visits, they have witnessed a troubling reality. Some military markers have slowly sunk into the ground from decades of frost, moisture and natural settling. In some cases, the markers have become so deeply embedded that they are difficult to find. Others have tilted, shifted or become partially buried.

   “These veterans served our country and many made tremendous sacrifices,” said Debra Baker, Senior Vice Commander of VFW Post 772 and a retired U.S. Navy Commander. “We owe it to them to make sure they are remembered and honored.”

   Baker, who is leading the effort, said the issue became increasingly apparent while placing flags at cemeteries throughout the area. During spring visits, some veteran markers have been found nearly hidden by standing water or frozen into the ground, making them difficult to see.

Headstones before and after VFW Post 772’s proposed headstone restoration project. Photos by Debra Baker.

   In response, VFW members surveyed area cemeteries and identified 93 veteran grave markers and headstones in need of repair, lifting or leveling. The work will focus on veterans buried in Fairview Cemetery in Remer, Riverside and Salem Cemeteries in Longville and several burial sites in the Swatara area.

   The project will be completed in partnership with Northland Monument, a local company that specializes in monument and stone restoration work. Baker estimates the project will cost approximately $14,000.

   The restoration work will involve lifting sunken markers, leveling stones that have shifted over time and making repairs where needed. The goal is to ensure that each veteran’s grave can be easily located, properly recognized and respectfully maintained for future generations.

Baker said the project is about more than restoring stone markers. It is about preserving the stories and legacies of those who served.

   “Many of these veterans no longer have family members nearby to care for their graves,” she said. “If we don’t take action, time and the elements will continue to take their toll.”

   The VFW has already received strong encouragement from community members, something Baker said has been inspiring as the project gets underway.

   The cemetery restoration effort is envisioned as the first phase of a larger long-term initiative. Looking ahead, the VFW hopes to work with area 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, however, that the current focus remains on restoring existing veteran graves and ensuring they receive the care and recognition they deserve.

   Donations are now being accepted to support the restoration project. Checks may be made payable to VFW Post 772 with “cemetery fund” written in the memo line. Mail all donations to VFW Post 772, P.O. Box 73, Longville, MN 56655. A GoFundMe page will be set up in the near future.

   Those wishing to contribute or learn more about the project may contact Baker at [email protected] or call (320) 221-5237.

   As the nation approaches the 250th anniversary of American independence, VFW Post 772 believes preserving the resting places of those who served is one meaningful way to honor the freedoms they helped defend.

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