Today Little Bit and I had some extra time, so we stopped at the United States National Military Cemetery.
According to the sign, it was established in 1867. There are 1,521 interments and of those, 832 are known. My heart ached when I read the bottom line:
Unknown: 689
Believe it or not, as far as cemeteries go, it is an extraordinarily beautiful place. Rows and rows of white headstones dress up winter’s grass like a skirt that never ends. An old stone wall with a castle-type appearance, almost seems to stand guard over those who’ve passed on.
Even though it was a bit chilly, the sun made its grand entrance after nearly 10 days of gray skies. Seeing it was so welcoming that I actually forgot I was cold.
What a great day to be there. I felt so honored to be among all those heroes.
Unmeasured Journeys 
Looks peaceful Jess. Just like the cemetery where mum is buried in Sale. We took a drive back home today as its 18 years to the day that my dad passed away. So prayers all round today. Hope you’re all much better now. Big hugs sweetie xo
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Oh my gosh, Miri. 18 years ago you lost your dad? Oh. My heart hurts for you. I’d love to visit your mum’s cemetery. Bet it’s beautiful. Little Bit and I stopped at 3 country cemeteries yesterday and there’s so much peace about them.
We are better, thank you. And, relieved the coughs finally went away. Big hugs right back!
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Hooray that you’re all better, I’m so glad for you. 😊 And yes, 18 years, can’t believe it’s been that long. My all grown up baby Natasha was only 9 months old when he passed away. Time goes so fast. Enjoy your precious LB while he’s still little! I love the way you go on your country drives and appreciate all the simple things. Take care my dear friend. xo
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Wow! I was going to say that it seems like a lifetime since he passed and it’s literally been! 18 years is a whole childhood. I’m trying to savor my LB. It is going too quick. Yesterday he was playing and said that tomorrow he’s going to be 11. Whoa! What? Wait!!! Lucky for me, that doesn’t happen for 11 more months. Whew!
I think I’ll post some of those cemetery pictures so you can see them. ❤️
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I’d love to see them Jess. Your little one sounds so precious. Yes indeed, savor him in all of his innocence. ❤️
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Thank you, Miri. He’s a good boy. So sweet!
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I’m sure he is!
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❤️
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I published them. It’s called Quietly on the Hill. Hope you like them.
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Just read it! The beauty of the Internet, isn’t it amazing. And I loved your pics. Just loved them!
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The internet steps in where the ocean separates us by too many miles. Thank you so much. It was such a lovely day. We weren’t in any hurry and didn’t HAVE to be any particular place. Such a gift in that!
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They’re the best sort of days in my book!
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Mine too! Soul sisters!
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Yay! ❤️
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The weather looks beautiful on the day that you visited the cemetery.
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Yes ma’am. Such a gift to see the sun. :)
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Such a lovely field trip with your son. Wonderful to remember the unknown. 💜
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Hi sweetie. Yes ma’am, that’s one of the benefits of homeschooling- get to walk right into history on a weekday afternoon.
I love that even though they don’t know who the unknown are, they’re equally as honored. How sad though, to fight for your country, and not have your name remembered. Bittersweet.
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Something else I’ve seen is a public request to attend a memorial for someone unknown. If no family or friends can be located, a public request is issued for those who can, to attend. <3 <3 <3
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Oh, I’d love to do that!
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Without their sacrifices this country would be a very different place indeed.
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Hey!!!! How are you? How was your vacation?
Yes, you’re right. Thank goodness for all those folks like your dad, who put freedom first!
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Not great. I made the best of it. Check out the posts over the last 2 weeks. Some good pictures though!
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You’ve been posting??? I haven’t seen them in my reader at all. I thought you were gone.
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Ive had the same problem before.
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I know! Wonder what’s up with that.
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Maybe unfollow then follow again.
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That was weird! Been following a year! Ha.
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Your one of the first!
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Oh really? Well, that’s cool!
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Oh refollowed
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I’ve always loved the tranquillity of cemeteries too. I’ve spent many an hour sitting peacefully in the sun watching the wildlife and contemplating the lives of those laid to rest. One of our young grandsons was always convinced a hand was going to rise up from a grave and grab him, so we would take him to the cemetery and show him the rabbits, squirrels and birds and play a quiet game of hide and seek among the trees. We taught him to be respectful of the graves and not to walk over them. He’s over his fear now.
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Oh my gosh. I’m glad you found a way to help him over his fear. Showing him the wildlife is an excellent idea. We always play hide and seek, too. Some of my best memories of Little Bit when he was small, are playing hide and seek in several serene country cemeteries. ❤️ Laura and Almonzo Wilder are buried about 40 miles from here and we’ve played there.
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Really? We love those stories 😊
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Yes ma’am. The house at Rocky Ridge is near here at a town called Mansfield. We’ve been to the house and museum several times. The museum is amazing. Pa’s fiddle is there and tons of other items. You can go in the house and see her desk where she wrote all her books.
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Fantastic, what a find 😊
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The next time we go, I’ll take pictures and write about it for you.
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Wow, thank you, look forward to it 💜
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Cemeteries can be so beautiful and so reverent. Even the wind sounds different in a cemetery….like it knows it needs to be respectful
The pictures are beautiful.
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Ohhhh! I love what you said. Yes! The tranquility factor in cemeteries is usually off the charts. When I was a little kid, we lived next to the town cemetery. Mom would take us for walks there. I just love that so much. Because of her foresight, my whole life has been spent feeling privileged to visit such places. Little Bit and I always stop at country cemeteries and read the stones. :) Thank you for your lovely comments.
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It looks like a peaceful setting. And a real treat to see the sun!
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Hi! How are you doing? Yes, the sun was a beauty all in itself. Funny how much we miss it when it’s cloudy for days. A peaceful setting is a wonderful way to describe the place. Thank you for reading. :)
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Doing ok here. We’ve had lots of clouds and fog. Very dreary!
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I hear you! It’s been dark here for nearly 2 weeks. Then we had the sun yesterday and it’s actually come out a while this afternoon. Sooooo nice. Glad you’re doing ok. How’s your brother?
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It will be March before he gets checked to see how well treatment worked.
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Oops, I just saw this. Ok, I’ll ask you then. :) Hope he’s doing ok.
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As well as can be expected, I think.
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Cancer stinks. 😊😊
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No arguments from me on that one.
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