There are a few sacred resting places in the United States known as National Cemeteries. Throughout the country, there are 147 cemeteries in 39 states which honor those who have sacrificed their lives in the name of liberty. In the summer of 1862, Congress passed legislation for the government to purchase grounds for the final resting place of these heroes. For their service to our country, every service person who is released from service with an honorable discharge, and their families are eligible for burial in these cemeteries.
The national cemetery located in Annapolis, Maryland is one of the first national cemeteries in 1862. Established by Abraham Lincoln during the Civil War, the cemetery stands on 4 acres of land near the waterfront. During the Civil War, Annapolis was used as a Union recruit training center and had a parole camp where exchange prisoners were held until they could be returned to their original units.
Many of the 3,000 souls interred in the Annapolis National Cemetery succumbed to illness and injury during that time. (source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Annapolis_National_Cemetery)
When walking the rows of grave markers, the number of unknown solders resting in this hallowed ground created a stir of emotion. These unknown men (or women) will never be known nor what caused them to pass on. Patriotic as they were, they were willing to put their lives on the line for something they believed in.
The neatly arranged rows created a solemn, melancholy feel to my visit. The power and strength of their fighting spirit emanated from the warm earth. It’s hard to describe the feeling that I experienced while walking alone along these bright white marbled markers.
There was such a sense of spirituality, and desire to truly honor these fallen souls that caused me to walk reverently past one marker after another. It’s rare for me to walk a part of the earth that creates such a sense of emotion within me. I’ll never forget these unknown solders and the sacrifices that they made for our country.
Categories: Annapolis, Foot Prints
Beautiful tribute!
Thank you so much ! Will be seeing Arlington Cemetery today. I’ll be totally amazed.
In Canada, we remember our fallen with a poem by John McCrea “In Flanders Fields.” We must live the best we can because of the sacrifice of others. Thank you for your profound post.
Such a beautiful poem and so appropriate. It is too easy today to forget what we should be thankful for. I appreciate you in sharing a common spirit.
very poignant…a beautiful post
Thank you so much ! I’ve been feeling rather melancholy this week and it felt appropriate.
Heartfelt article and lovely Fall photos
Thanks for the reminder to be grateful every day.
It does bring things back to reality doesn’t it?
That poem is so sad, and a wonderful tribute to those brave men. I visited Arlington Cemetery a few years ago, and felt that I stood on hallowed ground.
I’m heading out there today for a funeral. Something tells me that I will be overwhelmed with the emotion when I see the huge sacrifice made for freedom.
Thanks so much for posting… People CAN’T forget. Such a beautiful tribute.
Thanks Fey ! How are you doing? Good week? I’ve had better, but spending a day around flowers helps anyone get into a good mood. 🙂
Ditto… Busy, and wish I could get out more with the camera, pooo! At least you’re around pretty flowers, heee… I can’t wait to see them, and hear about your workshops!!
I so wish you could have been there. Allen is amazing. Maybe you can get to the NY botanical gardens when you’re up here.
my father is at Annapolis i appreciate your tribute to those who have carried the flame of our country
Really? I should visit him for you.
Great post, great tribute and totally agree never forgets… 🙂
Thank you so much Drake ! I’m so thankfully for the sacrifices these people made for our country.
Hail to those who served! woof woof
So true Maggie!
Awesome tribute 😉
Thank you so much Jenny.
YW Bella!