UNITY - Oct. 3 at 2 p.m., an appreciative crowd of about 50 people gathered at the Unity Cemetery to see the new sign that has been installed by the north gate.
It’s not just a sign, it’s a fine monument, designed by Pat Welter and built to last a lifetime. It includes the names of donors and a large map of the cemetery. There’s also a quote from an early pioneer, Mary White, who was a bit perplexed to arrive at Unity at a time when it was nothing but a sign on a low-lying plot of land covered in willows.
Twenty-six years ago a sign had been erected here, with a map on it. Over time, it had deteriorated and finally blew down. Butch Boskill was having a visit with two Tonys who said to him, “You can fix anything!” and Boskill was drawn into helping with the project of replacing the old sign. Blaine Greenwald contributed labour and material; Brett Lang of BZ’s landscaping business helped; Mark Ganter gets credit for the base.
The new monument will not suffer from weather stress. Pat Welter explained the base is made of material that will not deteriorate, and part of it is coated with a paint from Germany that will not deteriorate; and the roof section is shingled with material guaranteed for 55 years. Pat also included poppies in the design of the monument, and the logo Lest We Forget, in honour of the veterans who have protected and the pioneers who have developed our homeland. Each end features plaques naming patrons — individuals, groups and businesses — and those signs look like marble but are clear-coated aluminum, also sure to last a long time.
The ceremony was brief but meaningful. Donna Boser Kelly and Doreen Boser sang "Holy God, We Praise Your Name," and Dan Wilgenbush sang "Hallelujah." Pat Welter gave a history of the projects. Butch Boskill spoke about his involvement in the work. Nicole Headrick thanked everyone who had contributed to this special monument sign, and the many other upgrades in this cemetery. She also read greetings from Sophia Code, head of the previous cemetery committee, which no longer exists as it is now in the hands of Unity Parks and Recreation Department. Code expressed thanks to all the volunteers and the town, and mentioned the beauty of the memorial shelter belt of pines, the beautiful metal gate sign, the improvements to the soldiers’ plot and the benches placed about.
Another improvement to the grounds are the rows of numbered stakes designed and created locally, which designate plots and areas in the cemetery, enabling folks to find the graves they seek. These, Pat Welter explained, have been ordered as upgrades for several other cemeteries in the province.
Tammy Lauinger was thanked for the fundraising help she did through her greenhouse; Paul Marshall was thanked for the hours of work he contributed.
Legion members present included Ken Dresser, Vern Burns, Mike Wildeman and Wayne Stephens. Town representatives included Nicole Headrick (recreation director), Dale Brownlee, Russell Reiter and former parks and recreation employee, Marcel Van de Graaf. Mayor Sharon Del Frari was also in attendance.
Carnations were donated by Hollyhock's Greenhouse to be laid at the graves of veterans, friends and family members.
