Pratt & Whitney Volunteers Transform Veterans Cemetery for Memorial Day

As Memorial Day approaches each year, a dedicated team of volunteers from Pratt & Whitney in North Berwick steps in to help prepare the grounds of the Southern Maine Veterans Cemetery in Springvale. This annual event has become essential for the cemetery, which faces staffing shortages and damage from harsh winter storms, leaving the grounds in need of significant cleanup.

The cemetery’s small staff focuses primarily on burials, headstone placements, and mowing, leaving them without the manpower to handle the necessary spring cleanup. Pratt & Whitney volunteers fill this gap by clearing debris, cleaning, and preparing the numerous gardens, ensuring the cemetery is in pristine condition for Memorial Day ceremonies.

“The contributions of the Pratt & Whitney volunteer crew are invaluable,” said Nadine Gookin, a representative from the Southern Maine Veterans Memorial Cemetery Association. “Without their help, it would be difficult to prepare the grounds to the standard we strive for each Memorial Day.”

For many of the volunteers, who are veterans themselves or have personal connections to the military, this work is a meaningful way to honor veterans and give back to the community. Their efforts ensure that the cemetery remains a beautiful and respectful resting place, especially during Memorial Day. The Southern Maine Veterans Memorial Cemetery Association is deeply grateful to each volunteer for their time and hard work.