Wednesday, May 27, 2009

NH fountain a flowing tribute to veterans' families


"BOSCAWEN – One of the state's newest military memorials is dedicated to those who served on the homefront.
Nestled in a quiet spot at the New Hampshire State Veterans Cemetery, the new Reflection Fountain honors Gold Star, Blue Star and POW/MIA families. The granite fountain is surrounded by magnolia trees that will provide a comforting canopy of white as they grow, and by flowering plants in symbolic colors -- blue hydrangeas, yellow daylilies and forsythia.
The fountain will be officially dedicated next Saturday at 12:30 p.m., as part of the Memorial Day observance at the cemetery.

The project is the culmination of years of efforts by volunteers from veterans service organizations, including the American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars, and the Blue Star Mothers of New Hampshire.
Karen Thurston, president of the Blue Star Mothers, explained the five pillars that rise from the fountain represent the virtues of loyalty, courage, pride, strength and perseverance. Surrounding the central piece are five granite benches in the shape of a pentagon, representing the military branches: "They always surround their family, and their family always has the soldier's back."
And outside it all are benches for the community, which "surrounds both," she said.
Engraved in color on a granite post is an American flag and colored stars -- blue for the families of those now serving, gold for those who have lost loved ones, and black for the families of those still missing."

UnionLeader.com - New Hampshire news, business and sports - NH fountain a flowing tribute to veterans' families - Sunday, May. 24, 2009:

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