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| Aroostook Republican photo/Lisa Wilcox Phil Bosse, left, hands over the keys for the artifacts cabinet that he built for the Northern Maine Veterans Cemetery Corporation to Harry Hafford, president of the NMVCC’s board of directors |
By Lisa Wilcox
Staff Writer
CARIBOU—When you walk into someone’s home, most likely you will find a display case of some sort, usually a prominent piece of well crafted furniture showcasing a unique collection or family memorabilia. The displayed pieces always have some sort of significance in the homeowners’ interests or history, telling a visual story of past events that led to life as it exists today.
The creation of such a display case has been a desire of the Caribou Veterans Cemetery for quite some time. Within recent weeks, the facility has seen that goal come to fruition, thanks to the donated woodworking skills of Caribou resident Philip Bosse. The case is intended to hold service-related artifacts collected from veterans and their families, placing them on display for visitors of the cemetery.
“There are many sacrifices that were made to enjoy our way of life,” explained Cemetery Board of Directors Chairman Harry Hafford. “We want the artifacts to be visible for visitors to recognize those sacrifices.”
Bosse, who engages in woodworking as a hobby and serves full-time as U.S. Sen. Susan Collins’ aide, was given general specifications on the size of the case and some rough sketches. He then customized the design himself, making it unique to the veterans‘ organization.
The glass encased shelves feature challenge coins inlaid at the top of the case, representing each of the six military branches of the service in order of their origination. There are also 50 walnut diamond inlays adorning the top molding, representing all of the country’s states. Holding the front rail together on the center case is one diamond walnut peg for each of the 13 colonies. On either side of the base cabinet, there are also six round walnut pegs, again representing the different military branches of the service.
Bosse also built a separate piece, a historical album case that will display copies of a book that documents the history of the cemetery from its inception. The album case also contains walnut pegs in configurations of 50, 13 and six with the same representation as the pegs in the shelves. These pegs hold the cases together, symbolic of the military’s critical role in this country’s formation and growth.
“He really put his heart into it,” Hafford said of Bosse’s design.
Bosse credits his brother Jim, a Vietnam veteran, for fostering his interest in woodworking.
“Jim began it as a hobby after his return from Vietnam,” informed Bosse. “I followed in his footsteps and I dedicate my work in this project to him.”
Bosse completely donated his time and about two-thirds of the cost of materials has been paid for through the generosity of local businesses, organizations and individuals. The overall cost of the project is estimated to be around $30,000, including Bosse‘s over 300 hours of labor. Material cost is around $5,700. Hafford advises the cemetery is still gladly accepting donations from anyone who wishes to contribute.
They are also ready to start accepting artifacts to be displayed. The items can include anything of military relevance belonging to service members living or dead such as certificates, medals or uniforms, etc. They can be donated permanently or temporarily and will be displayed on a rotating basis.
Persons interested in making a monetary donation or providing an artifact for the display may contact Hafford or drop the item off at the administrative office at the cemetery on Lombard Rd. in Caribou. Hafford can be reached at 435-6024. More info about the cemetery can be found on their website, www.maineveteranscemeterycaribou.org.
