08/23/2026
Did you know that August 23 holds a special place in Granite State history?
📜⚓From the early days of the American Revolution to the Civil War and beyond, August 23 has repeatedly marked pivotal shifts for New Hampshire’s service members:
August 23, 1775: Royal Governor John Wentworth fled Portsmouth for the British warship HMS Scarborough, effectively ending British royal rule in New Hampshire and marking a major step toward American independence.
August 23, 1862: The 8th New Hampshire Infantry Regiment prepared for strategic shifts in the lower Mississippi River region, defending critical positions during the Civil War.
Late-August History: For decades, this time of year marked the famous annual encampments of the New Hampshire Veterans Association at Weirs Beach, bringing thousands of Civil War veterans together to honor their shared service.
Honoring Our Legacy Through Education
As the New Hampshire Veterans Cemetery Association, one of our core pillars as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit is supporting the New Hampshire State Veterans Cemetery not only as a dignified final resting place, but as a living memorial.
We believe that honoring our veterans means preserving their stories. Through the Veterans Heritage Learning Center, located on the grounds of the cemetery in Boscawen, we educate students, families, and visitors about New Hampshire’s military role dating back to the 1600s.
Join us in remembering the Granite Staters who stood up for freedom across every era of our nation's history.
📍 Visit the cemetery grounds or explore our exhibits online to dive deeper into our state’s military heritage!
