09/12/2026
As we enjoy the last couple of weeks of summer and begin to look towards fall, we are relieved that our expansion is nearly complete and that we can conduct reverent niche interments for the many families who have patiently waited to honor their loved one as we worked through myriad issues with the construction of our new columbarium structures.
We conducted 98 interments in July and 121 interments in August, which combined is 4 fewer than the same time period in FY26. However, now that we are conducting niche interments, our schedule will be extra busy as we get caught up with those who have been waiting so patiently. If you take a quick look at our September schedule, you will understand.
Expansion Update: we can finally see the finish line. There is still much work to be done on the columbarium structures, but we are able to use columbarium N1. Over the coming weeks, more structures will be completed and ready for use. I expect work will continue well into November, but most of the repairs should be done by mid-October.
We have quite a few upcoming events:
9/11 Remembrance - Granite United Way Day of Caring - Friday, September 11th 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM. Sign-up for this event through the Granite United Way. The number of volunteers is limited, as we have a full schedule that day.
100 Nights of Remembrance Closing Ceremony - Friday, September 11th at 6:40 PM. This is a very brief ceremony to close-out the 100 Nights as we solemnly remember those lost 25 years ago and all those affected by the events of that day. We also remember and honor those lost and affected by all actions resulting from the events of 9/11/2001. Taps will be played throughout the cemetery at 7:00 PM. All are invited to attend.
POW/MIA Remembrance Ceremony - Saturday, September 19th at 10:00 AM in the NHSVC Chapel. Hosted by Rolling Thunder of NH, this reverent ceremony reminds us to Never Forget all POW/MIA. All are invited to attend.
Memorial Walkway and Headstone Cleaning Event - Sunday, November 1st at 10:00 AM. Hosted by Rolling Thunder of NH, Gold Star Families of NH, and the US Air Force Academy Association of Graduates of NH. Bring your garden gloves and tools to help us get the Memorial Walkway cleaned up for Veterans Day and continue with the very personal task of cleaning the headstones memorializing veterans and family members interred at the NHSVC. All are invited to attend.
Place Flags for Veterans Day - Thursday, November 5th at 1:00 PM. All are invited to attend.
Remove Flags from Graves - Thursday, November 12th at 1:00 PM. All are invited to attend.
Place Wreaths on Graves - Saturday, December 5th at 10:30 AM. Hosted by the Blue Star Mothers of NH, this event is a reverent tribute to all veterans and family members during the Holiday Season. All are invited to attend.
To close, I'd like to publicly thank the NHSVC staff and volunteers for all they do to make our cemetery such a special place. Huge thanks to the maintenance team for their incredible work placing 160 more headstones this year due to the issues with the columbarium expansion. That, along with their myriad daily tasks, and being short-handed, has made for a very challenging year. Great work by Ted, Jeff, Shane, Greg, and Dave. As for being short-handed, that is now over! We would like to welcome Mr. Don Giaquinta to the cemetery staff! We are excited to welcome Don to the team and know that he is the perfect fit.
Equally important, the Admin staff has handled the incredible workload caused by the expansion delays with professionalism and patience. What may appear seamless to many actually requires an immense amount of teamwork and patience by the entire staff, all while the phone continuously rings. Great work by Sue, Wanda, Abbi, and Meri. Special shout-out to Allison and Deb from the NHVCA for their amazing assistance during this busy time! Great work by all!
I'll close with happy and, for the NHSVC staff, sad news. On September 30th, Sue Belliveau, our admin supervisor, is retiring after over 30 years of service to the state and 12 years of service at the cemetery. Sue's role at the NHSVC is more important that I can put into words. She is professional, personable, and calm. She is truly the engine that keeps the train running on time and provides a calming balance to a director who is anything but calm. While we will miss Sue, we are incredibly happy for her to begin her retirement and enjoy many adventures, canoe trip, and relaxing days with her husband, Dick, and her family and friends. It is well-deserved. Be sure to stop by and wish her well. Thank you and congratulations, Sue! You will be missed.
Have a colorful and joyful autumn.
With Respect & Gratitude,
Shawn
