To the Editor:

As Memorial Day approaches, it seems a fitting time to tell your readers that we are proud to say that the American flag now flies high at Fairview! In the past year, the cemetery association installed a 25-foot flagpole on the grounds now flying a 4-by-6-foot flag in honor of the over 160 men and women who served in our armed forces, many of whom were involved in conflicts dating back to the Revolution who lay at rest at Fairview.

This is just one of the many improvements in progress and planned for the future.

As with many other cemeteries, time has taken its toll on many monument foundations, causing them to lean and rise up from the ground. In December, the cemetery association was awarded a grant from the New York State Cemetery Board that will pay for the repair of 51 monuments that were deemed hazardous due to this condition.

This is the third such grant the cemetery has received. Work on the project began in April and is expected to be completed by the end of summer. Another grant application is already being worked on for next year to repair additional monuments.

Our association is a completely volunteer organization whose goal is the upkeep and operational survival of your local cemetery. The cemetery is not-for-profit and relies on donations, a small percentage from burials, and income from lot sales to keep it active.

Donations are currently needed to help pay for this year’s mowing and maintenance costs and toward future improvements. Donations are tax deductible, and should be mailed to Fairview Cemetery, Post Office Box 354, Guilderland Center, NY 12085. All donations are acknowledged with thanks and a letter for tax-exemption purposes.

Anyone wishing to purchase burial lots may reach the cemetery at 518-595-9365. Thank you for your continued support.

Russ Tallman
President
Fairview Cemetery