As families and neighbors gathered to honor America’s oldest veterans this Veterans Day, a dedicated group of Manitowoc residents took concrete steps to ensure those sacrifices are not forgotten. The Manitowoc County Civil War Round Table, working alongside Evergreen Cemetery and stone‑craftsmen Hofmann Monuments of Two Rivers, has installed brand‑new granite headstones for ten Civil War veterans whose original markers had weathered more than a century and a half.
Why new markers were needed
The original stones—crafted from sandstone, limestone and soapstone—had suffered from erosion, cracking and loss of inscription over time. While these historic materials hold sentimental value, their deterioration threatened the legibility of the veterans’ names and service details, making it difficult for descendants and visitors to pay proper respect.
“Our goal is simple,” said John Miller, president of the Civil War Round Table. “We want to make sure these men’s sacrifices are never forgotten, and that their graves are marked with durable, legible monuments that will stand for another 150 years.”
Continuing a tradition of remembrance
This effort follows a similar project completed on the previous Veterans Day, when the organization replaced eleven gravestones and four Grand Army of the Republic corner markers. The new granite markers were fabricated by Hofmann Monuments, a regional specialist known for its quality stone work. Each marker bears the veteran’s name, rank, unit and dates of service, etched in a style that mirrors historic military headstones while providing modern durability.
Evergreen Cemetery, a historic burial ground in Manitowoc, welcomed the project as part of its ongoing commitment to preserve the site’s heritage. Cemetery caretaker Susan Hansen noted, “These veterans helped shape our nation, and it’s fitting that their final resting places receive the care and respect they deserve.”
Community involvement and support
The project was funded through a combination of private donations, fundraising events and modest contributions from local businesses. Volunteers from the Round Table, many of whom are descendants of Civil War soldiers, spent countless hours researching records, coordinating with the cemetery board and overseeing the installation process.
Local residents expressed gratitude for the visible reminder of their community’s deep historical roots. “Walking through the cemetery and seeing those new stones reminds us of the brave men who fought to preserve the Union,” said longtime Manitowoc resident Margaret Lopez, who attended the dedication ceremony.
Looking ahead
The Round Table plans to continue its preservation work, with additional headstones slated for replacement in the coming years. By pairing historical reverence with modern craftsmanship, the group hopes to inspire future generations to value both their heritage and the freedoms secured by those who served.
For those interested in supporting the effort or learning more about the Civil War Round Table’s activities, information is available on their website and through the Evergreen Cemetery office.
Original reporting: FOX 11 WLUK Green Bay (local) — read the source article.
