Local Scouts Restore Headstones at URC
Chicago Boy Scout Benjamin Germino learned about the history of Union Ridge Cemetery and was inspired to plan, develop and lead a restoration project for his Eagle Scout service requirement.
“I’ve walked past this cemetery nearly every day for the past 12 years on my way to school without realizing it needed help,” says Germino. “I wanted to do something about it.”
“Union Ridge Cemetery is the oldest and most special cemetery in Chicago, and it’s right here in my neighborhood,” he says. “It’s where more than 34,000 people, including more than 400 veterans ... are buried.”
When he learned that the cemetery depends primarily on volunteers for its care and upkeep—and that many of the tombstones needed cleaning and fixing—he decided to take action. “It’s important to show respect for the people buried here and make their graves look nice again,” says Germino in his project proposal.
Once his “Forgotten Heroes” project was approved, Germino, and a dozen members from his Troop 949, along with 8 other volunteers, including troop leader Jose Alverio, assembled at the URC on Saturday, September 23, 2023.
Together the volunteers worked a total of 116 man-hours, raising and leveling 30 sunken headstones, and scrubbing and rinsing 70 stones that were difficult to read. Working with Dave Totsch, Board President of Union Ridge Cemetery Association, Germino planned and managed all aspects of the project—from materials and costs, to logistics and safety measures, to task assignments and implementation.
Neighbors living adjacent to the cemetery praised the volunteers for their work. “It made us very proud,” says Germino, “and myself more proud because I was their leader.”
Many of the buried at URC are veterans dating back to the Civil War. “It’s crucial that we all recognize the sacrifices they made during their lives and ensure they are remembered even in death.”
“Union Ridge Cemetery depends on the financial generosity of community members as well as the hard work of its volunteers to preserve its historic beauty,” says URC’s Totsch, “We’re very grateful for the community service this Eagle project provided. They’re welcome to help us any time.”
Note: Approximately 6 percent of all Boy Scouts of America earn the Eagle Scout designation.
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