There are times I venture into our local cemeteries and spend time reading. It is not a novel or a newspaper that I read, but words engraved in granite, slate and marble. Words that date back centuries and tell me a story. I read epitaphs and allow the past to tell me a story, all varied but with a common theme. I refer to these engraved stories told by our ancestors that served our country when our country needed them the most.
These ancestors answered the call and served in the armed forces so that we could walk our streets in freedom. Some of the old veterans I visit served as soldiers and sailors during the Revolutionary War, some with time at Valley Forge with George Washington. Others served at Saratoga and Ticonderoga returning to our little town to live until that fateful day when they ventured their last journey to the Old North Cemetery. I visit with veterans from the War of 1812 and Spanish American War heroes too. I stand in the shadow cast by the graves of soldiers that perished in the Great War and then World War II. I read about our brothers and sisters that served in Korea and Vietnam and the Middle East.
Each and every gravestone tells me a story and inspires me to continue along to the next cemetery. It is the Old North Cemetery, Blossom Hill Cemetery and the New Hampshire State Veterans Cemetery where I find these hallowed graves today.
The Old North Cemetery was established here in Concord in 1730. It provides eternal peace to many veterans from our early wars. It was a place where tears fell upon hallowed ground as our ancestors mourned those lost. The Old North, as well as the Blossom Hill Cemeteries, are not designated veteran cemeteries: They are cemeteries provided by the city of Concord for civilian and veteran burials. As the years progressed, the city of Concord increased the Old North Cemetery in the 19th century to provide for the growing need.
In 1860, the available burial plots at the Old North Cemetery were no longer available, the cemetery was in need of either another expansion or new land was needed for a new cemetery. The second common cemetery was established and named Blossom Hill Cemetery. The grounds were meticulously planned and designed by John C. Briggs and featured rolling hills richly planted with select trees and greens. The pond is fed by Rattlesnake Brook and the waters flow to this day.
Our wars continued and the need for additional veteran burials increased. We left our Revolutionary War veterans and some Civil War veterans at the Old North Cemetery and continued to bury the Civil War veterans at the new Blossom Hill Cemetery. As the century unfolded, the veterans from the Spanish American War joined the Civil War veterans and burials continued for those that served in both World War I and World War II.
As World War II ended, we found some peace at Blossom Hill but the Korean War veterans and Vietnam veteran burials continued in the years following.
In1945, there was discussion in Washington about establishing cemeteries for veterans. These cemeteries would be known as federally managed national cemeteries similar to our beloved Arlington National Cemetery. The identical stones would gleam under the sun in strict columns and rows. The War Department reported to the Senate Military Committee that seven locations were chosen in New England to provide national cemeteries for our veterans. Across the U.S., the Senate Military Committee identified 79 locations for burial of American veterans of war. The estimated cost for the cemeteries at the time was $122.9 million.
The Quartermaster General’s office issued their findings publicly. New Hampshire Representative Chester Merrow introduced a bill providing for a new national cemetery in New Hampshire as well as each of the New England states. Merrow initially introduced a bill for the establishment of one or more cemeteries in every state as well as U.S. possession. He then introduced a second bill incorporating the War Department recommendations.
With the need for additional veteran cemeteries, a 25,000-grave national cemetery was recommended for Concord, chosen because it is the capital and easily accessible by railroad.
The cemetery was never established and the wars continued to arrive and conclude. We sadly welcomed many additional casualties of war in the coming years. Our aged veterans continued to pass and the local cemeteries such as Blossom Hill Cemetery provided the burials for all veterans and civilians.
The New Hampshire State Veterans Cemetery in Boscawen was established on July 1, 1997, on 104 acres. Funds are provided by both the state and federal government to further develop and maintain this beautiful cemetery where we bury our veterans.
As I wander our local cemeteries and honor each veteran, I often contemplate what might have been with the establishment of a national cemetery in Concord. The late summer day is concluding but I stop to read the brave epitaph of one last soldier. I straighten his American flag, say a prayer and utter his name. Thank you for your service, Sir.