Students in Sabrina Nickerson’s
fifth grade class raised $450 to help purchase markers for GAR soldiers after
fundraising since September. According
to one historian, the GAR was a similar organization to the American Legion or
the Veterans of Foreign Wars, but for Civil War veteran. The GAR was
discontinued in 1956.
On Tuesday, the class walked to
Arlington Cemetery across the street from their school to replace the rusted
GAR markers with new markers that were made in Maine at Auburn Stove in New
Gloucester, which poured the bronze and Ken Murch of Falmouth Road did the
finish work. The markers were designed by Brian Brigham.
“I’m glad you took part in this
project. I’m proud of you,” said American Legion Commander Mel Greenier
to Nickerson’s class. “I salute all of you.”
There were 23 children in the
class and 23 graves that received new markers. Each student was responsible for
taking down all the information on one grave to bring back to class to research
on the Maine Memory Network, a database website with historical information.
“It was one of the best educational experiences I have
ever had with students – a great day!” said Sabrina Nickerson. “I will always
remember the looks on their faces, and how they really seemed to listen and
appreciate what these men did for their country. I thank them for their
cooperation, their hard work, and the reverence they showed by honoring these
soldiers with a GAR marker today.”
In attendance to assist the students were Greenier,
Vice-Commander Karle Leonard and Peter Morgan, who did most of the research
locating the soldiers’ graves. David Manchester, a relative of Civil War
Veteran Joseph K. Manchester, was also there for support.
“All of them were heroes. They fought to preserve the
union and make our country more unified,” said Morgan to the students.
More markers will be placed at
Knight Cemetery over Memorial Day weekend by the 3rd Maine Civil War
encampment group. 
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