"Imagine all the people living life in peace. You may say I'm a dreamer, but I'm not the only one.
I hope someday you'll join us, and the world will be as one. "
~John Lennon


Tuesday, June 5, 2012

Scenes in a Cemetery

Photos I took on Memorial Day at a cemetery 9 miles north of town. The trees and brush had overgrown and some of the grave stones were damaged. The cemetery had been neglected for many years until a year ago when one man began to clean and preserve the history there.

The Memorial Day ceremony at this cemetery was shared with representatives of the Pawnee Nation who believe some of their ancestors are resting in this area too.











14 comments:

DJan said...

What a fine ceremony on what seems a beautiful day. And the fine pictures you took to share with me. Thank you, CiCi. :-)

stephen Hayes said...

I was out of the country on Memorial Day and returning to your fine pictures made me feel like I didn't miss it. Thanks.

CiCi said...

DJan, it was a gorgeous day, with enough wind to keep it cool enough to be outside for so long.

Stephen, I look forward to hearing about your trip. Photos too I hope.

Hilary said...

Looks like it was a lovely ceremony, CiCi. And what an act of love to restore it.

Mona Sabalones Gonzalez said...

What beautiful photos. I love the way Americans love their country so much:)

Adam said...

reminds me of the work my old JROTC class did for a graveyard. On the day before veteran's day (we'd march in the parade that day along with other high school JROTCS) we'd go around the whole cemetary and plant flags for every veteran we could find.

There was one lady who came to visit her father's grave, whose tombstone didn't reveal his military history (our only clue) so we planted a flag for her dad. Makes me wonder how many veterans laid to rest in the cemetery that we missed simply because the gravestone didn't state it?

Abby said...

Looks like another nice ceremony, the boy scouts are a nice touch. I've always found the "simple" white soldier's headstones very poignant.

Debby@Just Breathe said...

Looks like a nice turnout for the memorial service. I love to visit cemeteries. I find reading the tombstones very interesting, especially when it's a really old cemetery.

Stickup Artist said...

These posts really make me think. Seems to me WWll was "the last just war." Those soldiers really deserve to be honored, as do all soldiers. Unfortunately, the more recent wars are turning out so badly for our country and for the poor returning vets. Makes me wonder about our leaders who are so quick to send them off to foreign lands without clear reasons, and not so helpful when they return needing so much help. We should never stop having Memorial Days, but I kinda wish we could make them a day about the distant past...

CiCi said...

Hilary, it must have been an extraordinary act of love and respect shown by the people who worked tirelessly for almost a year to restore the cemetery.

Monisima, I hope all Americans love this country like the people in my town.

Adam, I am so glad you have memories of working on a project like that. I hope you pass that respectful tradition on to your children when you have them some day.

Abby, the Boy Scouts were in the middle of all the activities, standing tall and proud. They did help in many ways.

Debby, I was surprised at the huge turnout. When I got there early, the road up to the cemetery was filled with cars on both sides and the cemetery was packed.

Stickup Artist, I understand what you are saying. In my opinion, the more recent fighting that is termed "war" have all been invasions with the citizens of the countries killed, maimed, or made to leave their homelands.

Happy Frog and I said...

I found this post very interesting CiCi as it showed me a side of life in America I would not normally get to see. Though as I'm sure you know we have a memorial day on the 11th November over here. Thanks for sharing your photos here with us.

Brian Miller said...

smiles. i like to walk through the cemetary i find it peaceful...and reflective...it looks like a wonderful ceremony...i wish we did more to honor our fallen...the size of the crowd is encouraging though for sure...

Claudya Martinez said...

I find this very touching.

Joanna Jenkins said...

Hi CiCi,
How great to see so many people out for the ceremony! I love that and I love that someone took on the gigantic task of cleaning up the cemetery. That's one of the beauties of a small town, I think. The kindness of people to get hands on and make a difference. YEAH.
xo jj