[R]ANDOLPH — When the Vermont Veterans Memorial Cemetery opened here in 1993, the state aimed to mirror the precise uniformity of the U.S. military’s Arlington National burial grounds.
Then came the personal uniqueness.
“No better friend could you find than Bill,” reads the gravestone for William L. Horne.
Frederick A. Fischer’s epitaph? “He kept it cool in the motor pool.”
“Life is a puzzle and we are all unique pieces,” Edward L. Ashford’s incription reads.
The gravestone for Edward J. Brown says simply: “I did it my way.”
The same could be said for the hundreds upon hundreds of other Vermont veterans in the cemetery, which is marking its 25th anniversary with an expansion of the grounds that host more burials annually than anywhere else in the state.
Plans for the cemetery originated in 1948 when servicemen requested support from then-Gov. Ernest Gibson. But the 110-acre site didn’t open until the state acquired the former Langevin farm in 1988 and dedicated it with the help of then Gov. Howard Dean in 1993.
Drive from Interstate 89 Exit 4 to Vermont Technical College, take a left and then a right and you’ll see green grass, fluttering flags and same-size gravestone after same-size gravestone. Start reading the engraved remembrances and you’ll soon spot the differences.
Bernard F. Quinn, for example, was a “beloved father, grandfather and great-grandfather.”
Jeffrey M. Sollace was a “devoted soldier” and “avid fisherman.”
James F. Facos was a “chevalier, educator, poet, dramatist.”
Horace A. Soule Jr. was a “free spirit” and “true Vermonter.”
Each stone lists a veteran’s branch of armed service, time of duty, and awards such as the Bronze Star and Purple Heart.
Nancy J. Bailey also wanted it known she “loved God, country, family and the Red Sox.”
Bernard C. Leno Sr., for his part, was “Number 1 Yankees fan.”
William C. Greene had something completely different to say: “Gone lawn sale-ing.”
So did James H. Rohn: “I don’t want a pickle.”
The cemetery is open to not only Vermont veterans but also their spouses. People still remember Norma Jean King, wife of serviceman Arnold King as “The Ice Cream Lady” — complete with spare change left atop her stone.
An annual Memorial Day ceremony every May 30 at 3 p.m. recognizes the service and sacrifice of the Vermonters buried there. They, in turn, remind visitors what’s most important.
“Have fun,” reads the gravestone of Robert A. Jones.
“Life is not forever,” adds the one for Ralph P. Tenney. “Love is.”
