Marion SAR cares for graves
By Beth Hoad  

To most people, a hobby is something done for fun and to help temporarily forget their responsibilities, but to Daryl Ver Streate, Jr. of Marion his hobby is a mission of remembrance.

Daryl is a member of the Sons of the American Revolution (S.A.R.) Rochester Chapter and a newly transferred member of the Marion Sons of the American Legion (S.A.L.). He is the Graves Committee Chairman for his S.A.R. chapter and is on the S.A.R. National Graves Committee.

Last year Daryl and his wife Amanda, who is a member of Col. Wm. Prescott D.A.R. Chapter in Newark, traveled throughout Wayne and Ontario counties in their spare time locating, documenting and photographing unmarked graves and missing, broken, or illegible grave markers for Revolutionary War, War of 1812 and Civil War veterans. After locating the graves, they submitted paperwork as proof of service and obtained permission from the cemeteries to install veterans markers for them.

Then, after he received the markers from the Veterans Administration, came the hard part installation of the 100-pound plus granite markers. He and Amanda and their three children placed 45 Revolutionary War veterans markers in East Palmyra, Palmyra, Rose, Savannah and Sodus cemeteries. Their personal record was 17 installations in one day. They remove the old markers or, in case of missing markers, dig new 18-inch deep holes, insert the stones and level them, pour in dry cement and refill them. He also pointed out that at 31 years old, he is still able to do the bull work necessary to install them when many S.A.R. members are beyond Babyboomer age and would find it difficult at best to do.

Daryl grew up in Wolcott with an appreciation of his ancestors service during the founding and development of our country. He feels that every veteran should be recognized and this is the best way to identify those early soldiers who have passed and who are otherwise forgotten.

Last week they installed markers on four graves in East Palmyra Cemetery. They include Humphrey Shearman RI Militia 1758-1812; Jedadiah Foster Minuteman Suffolk, Co., NY Militia 1738-1832; Parshall Terry Pvt. 24 Regt., Conn. Militia 1734-1811; and Barnabas Horton Capt., Mass Militia 1742-1819.

'People can do this for themselves, but a lot of them don't know these markers are available free through the VA. It seems to be a well-kept secret that all soldiers with unmarked graves or spoiled markers are eligible for a replacement stone.'

Daryl said his project would continue next year in Ontario, Monroe and other neighboring counties. 'Were on a mission now. We have to see them all done,' he said.

Anyone who knows of a neglected or missing Revolutionary War, War of 1812 or Civil War veteran marker in Wayne County and wants one installed, can call him at 315. 926.8061. He can also be reached through the Marion American Legion at 315.926.5571.

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