From our friend Karen Thurston:
The New Hampshire Blue Stars have recently joined with New Hampshire Veteran’s groups and many other donors to complete the final steps in erecting a Reflection Fountain on the Memorial Walkway at the New Hampshire State Veterans Cemetery in Boscawen. The Reflection Fountain will be dedicated by the generosity of many donors to the NH Blue Star, NH Gold Star and POW/MIA Families.
The Veterans Cemetery in Boscawen is the final resting place for many Veterans and conveys peace through its natural beauty and is the source of pride to all the Veteran’s families. Many ceremonies throughout the year are held here to acknowledge all Veterans, even those not interred here. All these veterans, by their service, gave the title of "Blue Star Families" to their loved ones. It is so fitting that the bonds that military service creates will be reflected in this fountain.
The area with the fountain will provide a place for all families, Blue, Gold and POW/MIA, to sit and reflect on the great sacrifice that has been made by our Veterans. You may ask, "Am I part of this family?" ~ Yes, if you have had someone in your family who has served or is currently serving in any branch of our military.
The Reflection Fountain belongs to all of us ~ a place where spouses, parents, children, siblings, grandparents, grandchildren, aunts and uncles, and fellow veterans will find a source of comfort.
The funding for the first phase of the fountain is complete. The final phase of funding will cover the site preparation for the fountain, the addition of granite benches, granite pavers, a plaque for dedication of the Fountain to New Hampshire Blue Star, Gold Star and POW/MIA Families. Any additional monies will be held for the maintenance of this fountain, as well as offsetting an outstanding balance on the Prisoner of War Monument that is located on the Memorial Walkway.
Our fund raising goal is $15,000, to cover these additional costs. The dedication of the Reflection Fountain will be held at a date to be determined.
Will you join us in making this a reality for our Blue Star, Gold Star, POW/MIA families and Veterans? The citizens, businesses, and organizations within NH have always answered the call when asked to support our military. No monetary donation is too small or too big. You may ask, "how much would a dollar or two help in reaching the goal?"
With over 100,000 Veterans in the state, if each Blue Star, Gold Star and POW/MIA family made a donation of $1.00 or $2.00 the goal would be reached quickly. Your donation can be made in "Honor of"…. or in "Memory of"… a loved one. Your name along with the name you’re honoring will be listed on the tribute page.
Soon we will hear the calming sound of water flowing over granite pillars falling softly into a pool, surrounded by the presence of those who answered our country’s call…. wouldn’t it be great to know that your contribution helped to create such a place?
Your charitable donation [tax ID # available upon request] may be mailed to: Blue Star Mother c/o Sue Peterson, PO Box 73, Weare, NH 03281 or You can learn more about the Reflection Fountain and watch the progress of the project by visiting the www.bluestarmothersofnh.org or http://www.geocities.com/reflectionfountain. Download a PDF of the donation form here.
Checks should be made payable to: "The Reflection Fountain"
Thank you,
Karen Thurston
President Blue Star Mothers of NH
Progress as of August 21…