Soldier Soldier In the dense, comforting shade of a century-old spreading maple, a section of the row of headstones farthest back in the military veteran’s section, the first stones to be installed during the Civil War, read only: SOLDIER 1861–1865 A father, brother, husband, son of someone, unknown, but honored by a headstone that tells of his final sacrifice, rests there. One of the most moving photos I took from the 2010 Memorial Day ceremony at Chartiers Cemetery, but perhaps the most fitting, no name, no rank, no distinguishing remarks, but the most common thread of all, a soldier. And not just in remembering the Civil War, or even other conflicts following. My ancestors were fighting their own civil wars in Eastern Europe at the time of America’s Civil War, only one in a long line of civil wars that perhaps finalized their decisions to leave the only land they’d known to come to America for freedom and a chance at the dream they’d never see, not even today, in the lands where their families had lived for centuries. A few decades later, they had no qualms about bearing arms and traveling back to those lands to protect the country they had embraced as their home. Centuries of soldiers everywhere who fought for freedom, protected their loved ones, gave their lives, each brought us a step closer. May the day soon come when no one needs to die for freedom. This photo is one of my most often-shared images from this site and on Pinterest; I am honored. Share this:Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window)Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window)Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window)Click to share on Pocket (Opens in new window)Like this:Like Loading... Related Post navigation Memorial Day Parade, a pencil sketchThree Columbine Flowers 0 Comments A very somber photo. Thanks for sharing it. I’m remembering “wounded warriors” myself today. Hoping to raise awareness and spark conversation, I posted this – http://writingforfoodinindy.wordpress.com/2013/05/27/the-suicide-of-sam-stone-remembering-all-our-fallen-soldiers/ I’d love for you to stop by and leave a comment, if you feel so led. Loading... Reply Leave a ReplyCancel reply This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.
A very somber photo. Thanks for sharing it. I’m remembering “wounded warriors” myself today. Hoping to raise awareness and spark conversation, I posted this – http://writingforfoodinindy.wordpress.com/2013/05/27/the-suicide-of-sam-stone-remembering-all-our-fallen-soldiers/ I’d love for you to stop by and leave a comment, if you feel so led. Loading... Reply