Utility Teams Volunteer to Enhance New Hampshire Veterans Cemetery

A collaborative effort among utility companies and tree care professionals recently transformed the landscape of the New Hampshire State Veterans Cemetery in Boscawen. On Wednesday, volunteers participated in a national initiative called Saluting Branches, aimed at beautifying and maintaining veteran-designated areas across the United States. This event, which began in 2015, has grown into the largest one-day volunteer effort in the tree care industry.

The cemetery serves as a final resting place for nearly 18,420 veterans. Volunteers from Unitil and Asplundh Tree Expert joined forces to enhance the grounds, providing their expertise in tree care to create a safer and more beautiful environment. “This is one of the most beautiful places. I think it’s really nice to be able to do this, not only for our veterans, but also for the families that come here,” remarked Angela Fellers, Senior Forestry Coordinator at Unitil, who has personal ties to military service.

Unitil, which has partnered with Asplundh for tree pruning and vegetation management, contributed the efforts of two Asplundh crews for this project. In addition to work at the veterans cemetery, crews also volunteered at Cathedral of the Pines, a memorial sanctuary in Rindge dedicated to war veterans and their families.

The event brought together teams from various organizations, including Eversource, New Hampshire Electric Co-op, ArborTech, Bartlett Tree Experts, Collins Tree Service, Wright Tree Service, and TimBer Property Consulting. The New Hampshire Arborists Association contributed by donating a tree for the cemetery, further enriching the landscape.

In addition to beautification, the initiative aims to create respectful spaces for reflection. “Cemeteries are a place where people go to grieve or to honor in their own way. The trees and the plants are a huge part of the beauty of the New Hampshire State Veterans Cemetery,” said Shawn Buck, director of the state veterans cemetery. He emphasized the importance of the volunteer work, noting that the cemetery’s small staff benefits greatly from the expertise provided by the volunteers.

Crews worked tirelessly, utilizing chainsaws and other equipment to trim overgrown trees, improve safety, and enhance the aesthetic appeal of the cemetery. They carefully removed several white pine trees along the Memorial Walkway to create a more open and light-filled area. Such efforts not only beautify the grounds but also ensure that visitors can honor their loved ones in a serene environment.

The impact of Saluting Branches extends beyond physical improvements. “It’s a humbling experience,” shared Jeff Fellows, a general foreman at Asplundh, who has participated in the initiative for the last decade. He highlighted the importance of teamwork in achieving the extensive and technical work required for such projects.

For Larry Polley, an Army veteran and employee at Bartlett Tree Experts, the day held personal significance. “When you join the military, you don’t do it for college money. You do it for your country,” he stated, expressing that volunteering for Saluting Branches allows him to give back to his fellow veterans.

Since its inception, Saluting Branches has provided approximately $4.5 million in donated services and thousands of volunteer hours across the country. The initiative not only beautifies veteran-designated areas but also fosters a sense of community among those who serve and honor the sacrifices of military personnel.

For further information about Saluting Branches, visit their official website at www.salutingbranches.org.