Heather Wright/The Independent

When you walk through the cemeteries in Warwick Township you may notice something a little different.

The Watford Legion has purchased new markers for all those who served in the military buried in the township.

Robert Alcock of the Watford Legion went to township council Monday to inform them of the new program.

“We’ve tried to use the metal grave markers that were made at the Hopper Foundry in Forest, and they’re okay. The problem is getting replacements,” Alcock said. “I’ve been waiting six years for the last ones I ordered. And another problem is maintenance. They have to be sandblasted and painted every once in a while.”

Alcock says they’ve found a new alternative. “There is a group of veterans that meet in Petrolia – I believe they’re all
PTSD sufferers – they have a workshop where they produce many things with 3D printing… one of the things that they
produce are these grave markers for veterans, and this is all 3D printing.”

The white maple leafs with a red border state “He Served His Country.” Alcock says there are also markers for women
who served. The Watford Legion expects to place 146 markers in cemeteries in the community.

Alcock was looking for a little help from the township.

“They’ll stay out all year, but they’re basically indestructible as long as your lawn maintenance people are careful, it withstands just about everything except weed eaters.” he says.

The markers have metal stands and should withstand the weather as long as caretakers are careful while trimming the grass in the cemetery. Alcock asked township council to instruct the groundskeepers to be careful. Council agreed.

Councillor Joe Manning, who sits on the cemetery board, suggested the Legion provide a few extra markers, so if there is damage, they can be replaced.