‘Little project’ grows into lasting memorial in Limestone

Clarion News editor

Little projects sometimes grow into more and a little project in Limestone this month grew into a tribute to deceased veterans in Limestone.

The members of the Limestone Cemetery Association had heard about Wreaths Across America and believed bringing the Christmas time memorials to the cemetery would be a fitting tribute to the military service veterans buried there.

The LCA joined the Wreaths Across America program in December of 2021.

“We wanted an area near the U.S. flag near the cemetery entrance to honor our vets but we weren’t sure how to do this with our limited funds,” said Alice Swartzfager, LCA secretary and treasurer.

The LCA approached the Clarion VFW post and ask if the organization might help out by purchasing a bench to place at the cemetery.

Swartzfager said Clarion VFW Ross McGinnis Post 2145 Commander Gary Weaver readily agreed.

“He really jumped in,” Swartfager said of Weaver.

Weaver agreed to coordinate the project and talked to Woody Whitling a scout master with Troop 51.

Whitling in turn knew scout Corbyn Brown was looking to perform some service hours.

“Woody said me to me, ‘I’ve got the perfect job for you,'” recalled Brown, who agreed to develop the memorial site complete with concrete pads for the benches.

Clarion American Legion Post 66 heard of the proposed project and that group agreed to buy a second bench for the memorial site.

The VFW having agreed to cover all the other costs, said it would pay for a second concrete pad and Brown again volunteered to do the work.

Kahle’s Kitchens helped with the engraving on the benches. C&A Trees helped the group choose a red bud tree with heart-shaped leaves for the memorial.

Corbyn’s father, Nick Brown helped his son with the use of some equipment from his business, Brown Construction.

Hence, as Weaver noted, a little project turned into something bigger.

Numerous people associated with the Clarion VFW, the Clarion American Legion and the Limestone Cemetery Association gathered July 1 to formerly accept the two benches and memorial site.

Brown, however, could not attend the gathering as he and Whitling were away attending scout camp.

The Limestone Cemetery is the final resting place for veterans from the War of 1812 (three), the Civil War (34), World Wars I (four) and II (four), the Korean War (one) and the Vietnam War (two).

The cemetery is also the resting place for one unknown soldier who was buried there in 1953.

“We have three vets’ graves with no marked stones and one unknown soldier,” said Swartzfager. “We are working with the veteran affairs office to get markers.”

The cemetery was established by will by the Craig family of Limestone as a free burial ground.

The cemetery was formally incorporated Feb. 1, 1972, by a group of local citizens. The oldest recorded grave is that of an infant in 1815.

The deed is in the name of First Baptist Church of Limestone. However, the cemetery is governed by a nine-member board of directors, separate from the church, who oversee all costs with caring for the graves and grounds.

The cemetery relies on contributions and sells perpetual care endowments for lots. Tom Girt, a charter member and veteran, still serves on the board.

Of 416 graves, there are 49 veterans who fought in the following wars. Five of the 49 were killed in action.

“The cemetery appreciates the help of many volunteers who worked together to honor our vets,” said Swartzfager. “We have freedom in America today because of our veteran’s service and sacrifice.