New Haven-area veterans are appealing to the state for help restoring a neglected local cemetery. Fifteen veterans from New Haven and area towns signed a petition sent to the governor’s office asking for the State Street Cemetery at 2125 State St. in Hamden to “be totally renovated and maintained so that the 36 honorable veterans’ last resting place is dignified.”

The effort has been organized by retired New Haven police Det. Tom Morrissey Jr. “Volunteers are discouraged in their attempt to clean it up without the necessary manpower, expertise and proper equipment that’s required. The cemetery meets every element of neglect,” Morrissey wrote in a separate letter urging veterans to contact the governor’s office about the issue.

Gubernatorial spokesperson David Bednarz told the Independent that the state has money set aside for cases like these, through the Neglected Cemetery Account Grant Program. He “strongly encouraged” towns to apply for the money: “The upkeep of cemeteries is essential to respecting those who have passed, which is why Governor Lamont has continued to support” the program.

Hamden will “absolutely” apply for the money as soon as the next funding cycle begins, said Hamden Mayor Adam Sendroff. He told the Independent he met with state Veteran Affairs Commissioner Ron Welch about the issue.

Original reporting: New Haven Independent — read the source article.