Unusual marker

Maribeth Brannen wrote "last weekend I was in a cemetery in Fitzgerald GA for a ceremony for a Union soldier buried there.  Fitzgerald GA was settled in the late 1890's by Union and Confederate Veterans who were reconciling after the Civil War.  I saw this tombstone which looks like a broken column on a base which holds it. The ends of the column are not smooth, hence, the look that it is broken from a larger column."  Any suggestion on the meaning of the stone?

Speaker in Plymouth

Had a chance to hear  Jim Blachowicz speak in Plymouth yesterday. In 2003 he was the recipient of the Association for Gravestone Studies prestigious Forbes Award given "in recognition of exceptional service to the field of gravestone studies. He did a visual presentation highlighting selected stones from this book “From Slate to Marble Gravestone Carving Traditions in Eastern Massachusetts 1770 – 1870” as well as some others that will be discussed in volume II.

Symbol of the ship

C

Carole Moore sent me this image to the right. It is by Historic Preservation's Specialist Rachel Black The “Master Mariner” headstone located in Riverside Cemetery in Huntington, West Virginia.  The ship conveys consciousness, transcendence, safety, hope, confidence and the womb.

 

Memorial Day Prayer

Almighty God,

Our sons and daughters, pride of our nations, have served, fought and died so that we may be free. How truly immortal are those who give their lives for liberty. Blessed are they whose blood is shed for the welfare of their followers. Grant them, heavenly father, eternal peace, embrace them and receive into thy kingdom. Let the living not forget the price they paid for freedom. Blessed are those who mourn: for they shall be comforted. Blessed are those who fought and died for they shall be remembered.

Amen.

The Memorial Day Foundation