Decoration Day...

We went across the river, and drove down to the cemetery. A pleasant trip, as we always have lots to talk about, info. to share. I was hoping there would be numerous flags out in the cemetery, and was not disappointed. Not only was there a small American flag on a dowel in front of every marker, there was also a red poppy for each member of the armed services who was buried there. Plus lots of flags at the entrance to the area, and many more lining the roadway as you drive into the park-like setting of the cemetery.

I'd not thought about the friend who was interred there last summer. So after we made one loop around the various sections, separated by wooded areas, we looked in a 'locator' book to find where she was buried. And had to walk nearly back around to get to the spot where the most recent burials had occurred. The loop around is only about a mile, so it was not too bad to walk it twice. It was interesting to observe a number of other visitors, families coming to visit, leaving mementos for loved ones permanently resting there in the peaceful surroundings of the perpetual care of Veterans' Administration.

 I was telling PC that I has asked lots of questions when I went a couple of years ago to a funeral on post, and curious about how things are done in national cemeteries. I was told that if there is a spouse, the graves are always dug to a depth of nine feet, to allow for the spouse to be in the same location. The name of the spouse would then be indicated on the back of the marker. So I guess Jeannie and John will be planted together.

When we stopped a worker to ask if there would be some sort of remembrance or memorial service taking place, he reported it had happened on Sunday afternoon. We'd seen a collection of green funeral home awnings, and several port-a-potties that would indicate some sort of planned event. The worker on the golf cart said there was talk of doing that Service of Remembrance on Memorial Day next year, so we'll know to pay attention, and watch for an announcement, notification in the news.

A quiet, restful, serene place to be, spend some time in meditation and contemplation... not a bad spot to devote a few minutes or hours pondering the ways of the world....