23-05-2025
Veterans interred in Pine Hill Cemetery brought to life May 18
WESTFIELD — On Sunday, May 18, volunteers and actors brought veterans ranging from the Civil War to WWII interred in Pine Hill Cemetery to life in 'Grave Conversations: Pine Hill Cemetery Veterans Speak.'
Pine Hill Cemetery Superintendent Kali Fantaskis said the event was a great success.
'The Friends of Pine Hill Cemetery are incredibly grateful to all the wonderful members of our community that purchased tickets and donated towards the continued restoration of the Parks Memorial Chapel! It was a beautiful day. We thank our fantastic actors, guides, and volunteers, without each and every one of them this tour would not have been possible,' Fantakis said.
Among the veterans featured were Edwin R. Lay, who served honorably for the Union Army during the Civil War and was a charitable philanthropist and distinguished member of the community, who was portrayed by Eric McDowell. Lay's charity extended to the Lyon post of the Grand Army of the Republic and the G.A.R. plot at Pine Hill Cemetery, with his donation of an impressive monument to honor the veterans laid to rest there.
Also featured was Maryann Ochs Douglas, who was portrayed by Theresa Allie. Douglas served as a Link Trainer instructor, training Naval pilots to fly in the revolutionary aerial flight simulator.
The script detailing the lives of the eight veterans was written by Westfield State University student Courtney Berthiaume, a junior at the university majoring in English with a concentration in writing. 'She composed the compelling stories of our eight featured veterans with great care and attention to detail. We were very lucky to work with such an exceptional young writer,' Fantakis said.
All tour proceeds support the continued restoration of the historic Henry Lyman Parks Memorial Chapel located inside the cemetery's main gate.
The event was presented by the Friends of Pine Hill Cemetery, a nonprofit organization dedicated to the preservation of Pine Hill Cemetery. The group is devoted to fundraising, historical research, education through community events, and the overall betterment of the cemetery.
Read the original article on MassLive.
