The Harwich Cemetery Commission is moving forward with a detailed $135,000 design for a new Revolutionary War memorial at Evergreen Cemetery, a project that will soon head to formal bid. During Monday’s session, board members reviewed design specifications for a centerpiece that will feature a 3D relief sculpture of a Minute Man. Monument expert Tom explained that a 4-inch deep relief sculpture was chosen over a standalone statue for long-term safety and durability, noting that when you look at it from the side, you see the sculpting, but the back is one big solid piece. Down the road that’s safety and maintenance; you’re not worrying about the tip of the gun breaking.

The commission is working within a combined budget of $256,000 earmarked for both Revolutionary and Civil War monuments. To ensure both projects are fully funded, the board is targeting a cost of approximately $130,000 to $135,000 for the first memorial. Robin, presiding over the meeting, emphasized the urgency of the procurement process, stating, Because it’s over $50,000, we have to put it out to bid. I want to put it out to bid ASAP so we can have a dedication this upcoming year. The final design is expected to stand over five feet tall and span more than 12 feet in width, incorporating the names of approximately 420 veterans. The board plans to consult with the Daughters of the American Revolution to finalize the wording, ensuring it honors both infantrymen and seamen.

Planning for the town’s Veterans Day ceremony is also intensifying. Acting Town Administrator Anthony Shabbas, a retired Brigadier General, has been tapped as the keynote speaker for the November 11 event. The ceremony will also feature Ernest Vernon, a veteran and chaplain at Brewster Baptist, who will provide the invocation and benediction. A notable change this year involves long-time participant and World War II veteran Joe Malair. While he plans to attend, he has requested to step back from a speaking role. Jim Stratton noted, He’s going to attend. He just doesn’t want to do the talking. The commission is also coordinating with the Board of Selectmen to determine which liaison will represent the town leadership at the event.

Infrastructure and maintenance costs remain a focal point for the commission. The board authorized a $1,350 expenditure for fence installation at the Harding Rider Cemetery. Robin and J. Stratton recently met with All Cape Fence to secure the quote, concluding that the high-traffic area near the road required professional installation rather than volunteer labor. Motion Made by J. Stratton to approve the All Cape Fence estimate. Motion Passed 4-0. Additionally, the board moved to improve navigation within Evergreen Cemetery by authorizing new signage. R. Thompson advocated for the change, stating, When people go into the old section, if they don’t see that road there, they don’t know that that’s a through road. We need a sign that says Veterans Memorial this way. Motion Made by R. Thompson to do a brand new Veterans Memorial sign for 137 and one for the rotary/roundabout. Motion Passed 4-0.

In financial updates, the commission’s revolving account currently holds a balance of $23,884.26 after recent payments for advertising and new flags. The board also noted a small fiscal victory, as the completed South Harwich gravestone conservation project came in under budget, allowing approximately $1,000 in unused Community Preservation Committee (CPC) funds to be returned to the town. C. Eldredge arrived during the session to participate in these financial reviews and project updates. Looking toward future capital needs, the board discussed the eventual installation of a columbarium wall for cremated remains. While the project may be placed on the town’s five-year capital plan, some members expressed a desire for a faster timeline via a Town Meeting article. J. Stratton joked about the long wait for capital projects, remarking, If it goes on the capital plan, that takes five years. I might be in a wall by then.

Technical improvements are also underway to assist residents and researchers. R. Thompson provided updated GPS coordinates for town cemeteries to the IT department to fix broken links on the town website. If you think of it when it’s done, could you let that guy know with the genealogy website? R. Thompson asked, referring to a resident who originally flagged the technical issues. Meanwhile, progress continues on the Walk of Remembrance, where an introductory stone marking the town’s 1694 establishment is scheduled for installation this week. Tom reported, I’ll cut it this week and put it in whenever you want. That way at least you have some additional progress in addition to the walkway and it’ll look nice. The commission will meet again on October 30 to finalize the bid documents for the Revolutionary War memorial.