DAR completes cemetery project

NORWALK — The Sally DeForest Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution, have completed their updating of Woodlawn Cemetery's podium. The project was accomplished through the collaboration of DAR's Anna Bristol and Allison Cook, office manager for Woodlawn Cemetery Association, who directed the project to completion, and Cole Energy of Milan. The cemetery project was the result of the national DAR's America 250! initiative to address community needs in advance of the nation's 250th anniversary in 2026. Henry Timman noted in 1986 that, "Woodlawn Cemetery is unusual in that it has veterans of every United States war since the American Revolution buried in it, as well as two Medal of Honor winners." Constructed in the mid 1980's, "the Joint Veterans Council dedicated a fine new permanent podium near the veterans' burial plot which is provided by the county commissioners. The podium is to be used for services at the cemetery, and was paid for by donations of money, labor and materials." Work on the podium included removal of overgrown shrubbery flanking the podium and in the front trough. Power washing, painting of the handrails, and planting and mulching young replacement shrubs and perennials have enhanced the site. The podium's freshened appearance will lend dignity to veteran's ceremonies.