In April 2009, Town Meeting approved spending from the Elizabeth B. Sampson Memorial Fund for a number of projects, including one specific to this holiday weekend. Kingston’s Veterans Agent received $5,000 from the Sampson Fund for “memorial stones and flags at veteran’s graves in local cemeteries,” continuing local observance of a custom that dates back at least 140 years.
This photograph show the Kingston post of the G.A.R. — veterans of the Civil war and their sons — marching on Memorial Day. At the rear of the group, Lemuel Ford carries a bunch of small flags to be placed in the grave-marker or standards of the deceased comrades. The photo is undated but must have been taken no later than 1914, as Mr. Ford died in April of 1915.
The 2001 snapshot below shows the Civil War Soldiers Monument, which was placed on the Training Green and dedicated in 1883, with flags in place. Be sure to take a moment on Monday to remember the sacrifices of America’s veterans.
Sources: Emily Fuller Drew lantern slide cardfile; Kingston Reporter April 10, 2009