Hunterdon County invites volunteers to clean veterans’ headstones at Milford cemetery
MILFORD BOROUGH, N.J. (Hunterdon County) — Hunterdon County is inviting volunteers to help clean veterans’ headstones at Milford Union Cemetery as part of the county’s Veterans Headstone Cleaning Program.
The event will be held Saturday, Oct. 17, from 10 a.m. to noon at Milford Union Cemetery, 105 County Road 519. The rain date is Sunday, Oct. 18.
Hunterdon County Commissioner Susan Soloway, co-liaison to the county Division of Veterans Affairs, is encouraging people of all ages to participate in the volunteer effort.
“Taking the time to care for a veteran’s headstone is a simple but meaningful way to show our gratitude and ensure their service continues to be remembered,” Soloway said. “These volunteers are helping preserve the final resting places of the men and women who served our country, and I encourage residents to come out and be part of this important program.”
Since the Veterans Headstone Cleaning Program began in 2022, more than 150 volunteers have cleaned more than 1,200 veterans’ headstones at cemeteries throughout Hunterdon County, according to county officials.
The program also teaches volunteers proper preservation techniques. The county provides guidance on approved cleaning methods designed to improve the appearance of headstones without damaging their long-term integrity.
“Every headstone represents a person who served, and every name has a story behind it,” Soloway said. “By caring for these gravesites, we are helping preserve those stories as part of Hunterdon County’s history. I am grateful to everyone who has volunteered since this program began and hope many more residents will join us in Milford.”
The Milford event is one of four Veterans Headstone Cleaning Program events scheduled by Hunterdon County in 2026.
Another cleaning event is scheduled for Saturday, Nov. 7, at Union Cemetery in Ringoes.
Those interested in volunteering for the Oct. 17 event are encouraged to RSVP in advance by emailing ecarrier@co.hunterdon.nj.us.
