Tuesday, May 28, 2013

In memory, in honor


The gravesite of Husband Walter’s father, a World War II veteran.

Sunday we accompanied my mother-in-law to the Biloxi National Cemetery, where flags were flying at individual graves and along the roadway to the Veterans Memorial.

Veterans Memorial at Biloxi National Cemetery

It was our second visit in less than a week. The previous Wednesday morning we had convened with family for the graveside funeral service for my husband’s uncle, Archie Lee Flowers.
Biloxi National Cemetery
The gazebo in the background was the site of the outdoor service and overlooked the Veterans Memorial at the end of the green expanse, part of the 54-acre national cemetery on the grounds of the Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Biloxi, Mississippi. 

The serenity of the live oaks, the sound of “Taps” followed by the traditional ceremony where two members of the U.S. Navy honor guard folded the flag that draped the casket, the presentation of the flag to the closest relative, the presence of the rows of white headstones, all contributed to making the brief service a moving acknowledgment of the life and death of Uncle Archie Lee.

The Sunday visit two days ago was a special remembrance of the service of my husband’s father and his two uncles buried there. My father and all of his and my mother’s brothers were WWII veterans, too, although none are buried in national cemeteries.                                                                                            

Both visits were filled with memories and thoughts of those who served: our fathers, uncles and cousins, classmates, others who served, those who gave their lives and the families who lost their loved ones.



8 comments:

  1. the sight of many flags flying always make me tear up.. all the headstones and flags are double tear makers.

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  2. My Uncle George was a dentist in the US Army. He was a dentist. He brought home a German bride, and they had 2 children together. Nice of you to remember the dead.

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  3. I am sorry about your husband's uncle. This is a lovely cemetery and all your shots are very interesting and make for a lump in the throat. Sorry, a sad week for you...

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  4. So sorry your husband lost his uncle. Military funerals are so moving and the sound of taps always destroys me.
    What a week for memories.

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  5. The photos are really beautiful. I'm sorry about your husband's uncle. I love seeing the cemeteries full of flags. It is always a humbling sight.

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  6. A hard week for you. I'm glad you took the photographs, though. Beautiful reminders for us all of the reason for Memorial Day.

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  7. These military cemeteries are so sad. Usually the grave commemorates someone very young. Nice tribute to your FIL. Dianne

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  8. Such poignant memories and beautiful photos.
    I always tear up when seeing all the flags and headstones.
    Lovely tribute Linda.

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