YORK, Pa. — On Saturday, five African American veterans buried at the Lebanon Cemetery were presented with new military headstones. The ceremony was part of the cemetery's G.R.A.C.E (Gravesite Restoration and Community Engagement) for Veterans Cemetery Preservation Day.
These were the five African American veterans who were presented with new headstones:
- James K. Hopkins (1926-1961)
- John W. Bonaparte (1922-1970)
- Ernest Milton (1927-1978)
- Ralph E. Cohen (1895-1978)
- John F. Noble (1832-1902)
Samantha Dorm, the director of the Friends of Lebanon Cemetery, said the ceremony gave these veterans long overdue recognition for their service.
“One of the stones we put in today was for a gentleman who served during the Civil War," said Dorm referring to John F. Noble. "So, if you think about how long it has taken, [it has been] over 100 years since his death.”
The families of James K. Hopkins and John F. Noble were in attendance as their graves were dedicated. This allowed their decedents a chance to honor their loved ones.
“I know he was proud [to serve] and getting this military headstone means a lot," said Amelia Tyler, the daughter of James K. Hopkins.
“As time goes on, you think about being proud of your children or grandchildren, but you don’t think about being proud of your ancestors," said Dr. Dorothy King, the great-granddaughter of John F. Noble. "Today is the day we celebrate our ancestors.”
Volunteers with the cemetery have worked for months to get the five new headstones for the veterans. There work will continue until the over 300 African American veterans buried at the property are given the same recognition.
“Five is symbolic in a way," said Danny Devine, the director for the National Cemetery Administration. "But for everyone else who deserves one, we can work on that and there’s always a tomorrow.”
With the new headstones, these five veterans will never be forgotten.
“I’m so proud of them for the things they’ve done," said King.