AUGUSTA - The Legislature's Veterans and Legal Affairs Committee held a public hearing Monday on a proposal that would allow a Sanford resident instrumental in creating the Southern Maine Veterans' Cemetery to be buried there when she passes away.
LD 619, sponsored by Rep. John Tuttle, D-Sanford, would grant special eligibility for Christine Pratt, the current executive director of the Southern Maine Veterans' Cemetery in Springvale, to receive a burial plot at the facility.
"If it wasnt for Christine Pratt, there wouldnt be a Southern Maine Veterans Cemetery," said Tuttle. "Its only fair that the person who did so much of the work to honor our veterans should be allowed to be buried alongside them."
Pratt has worked on veterans' issues for more than 20 years and is credited by the public for getting the idea for a veterans' cemetery in Springvale off the ground. After helping find a location for the cemetery, developing a plan and seeing the project through to completion, she went on to become the cemetery's executive director.
Tuttle says he received more than 50 letters and more than 100 phone calls in support of the bill from members of the community.
"The public is strongly behind this," said Tuttle. "So many families who have relatives buried at the veterans' cemetery are grateful for the care Christine has shown in her work and for the peace of mind she has provided."
Under current law, only veterans are allowed to be buried at official veterans' cemeteries, though in special cases, civilians of very high distinction have been honored with burial at Arlington National Cemetery.
David Richmond, director of the Maine Bureau of Veterans' Affairs, said that if Tuttles bill passes, the Southern Maine Veterans' Cemetery would need an exemption from the federal government to avoid financial penalties. Tuttle is working with Maines federal congressional delegation to seek such an exemption.
The committee will likely hold onto the measure until a final decision on an exemption can be reached and then hold a work session to vote on the bill.
Tuttle, a member of the Veterans and Legal Affairs Committee, is serving his 12th nonconsecutive term in the Maine House and represents District 18, the east side of Sanford.
Contact:
Jackie Merrill [Tuttle], c. 812-1111