On November 4th, Steven Curry, a military and law enforcement professional with over 47 years of experience, addressed the Rotary club of Nashua regarding, the New Hampshire Veterans Cemetery in Boscawen New Hampshire. Steven is a West Point Graduate and also earned a Master’s Degree from Central Michigan University. In the military, he served as Commander and Chief of Police in both Germany and the Balkans. He Commanded the U.S. Army Military Police School. Since then he has been the Commissioner of the New Hampshire Department of Corrections, Director of Training of the New Hampshire Employer Support to the Guard and Reserve, and a Principal Security/Protection Advisor in a corporation. He is currently President of the Daniel Webster Council of Boy Scouts of America.
Mr. Curry is currently a volunteer at the New Hampshire Veterans Cemetery in Boscawen New Hampshire and will speak about the cemetery and the growing Veterans Heritage Learning Center located on the cemetery grounds.
On July 1, 1997, The New Hampshire State Veterans Cemetery was legislatively established. The facility was funded jointly by the state and federal governments. The 104 acres of land was previously used as a state forest in the town of Boscawen, New Hampshire.
Phase I construction, partially completed in November of 1997, involved nine of the 104 acres of land. A carillon system and landscaping were donated by various veterans organizations. On August 15, 2003, final Phase I construction was completed with federal funds. A memorial brick walkway and history walkway were constructed through the generosity of many individuals, local businesses and veterans organizations. The current cemetery development of 14 acres provides adequate burial sites for years to come. The master plan has 6 additional phases for future expansion. With future expansion, the cemetery has enough acreage to expand and accommodate veterans and their eligible dependents for many years to come. The New Hampshire State Veterans Cemetery was the first state cemetery east of the Mississippi River to allow the interment of nonresident veterans. The State of New Hampshire is proud and honored to provide this dignified resting-place for all veterans and their eligible dependents.
US Navy veteran CWO2 Ernest Holm, WWI and WWII, was the first interment at the cemetery on November 18, 1997. On the same day, his spouse Hilda was also interred.
The Veterans Heritage Learning Center was created three years ago. The center enlisted twelve teachers to learn about American Military History and the contributions of New Hampshire veterans. The cemetery built an addition onto the Administration Building to house the center. The military historical education begins in the 1600s. The materials are directed to grade school and junior high school students. There is a 70 inch monitor showing material while students also have the ability to look through artifacts held in sixteen foot lockers from all eras of military history. Following his presentation, Mr. Curry responded to a variety of questions from the club.