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I took a ride up to the New Hampshire State Veterans cemetery to watch the Veterans Day services. We don't have a Federal Veterans Cemetery, so a few years ago New Hampshire opened one for us. There is quite a bit of lad allocated but only a small portion has been opened for use. It is turning out to be a very special place.

The services this year had an unusually large attendance, that is a good thing. The beginning was very nice with traditional songs and military salutes. The opening speaker was the general in charge of the New Hampshire National Guard and I must say he exceeded all anyone would expect. Lots of wet eyes caused by that gentleman. Following that was the expected Governor and U.S. Senators giving the same speech that they have been giving since the first Veterans Day so many years ago; nothing very note worthy from my point of view.

I sat next to a woman who's husband is buried there; he served in WWII in Burma. We both noticed how calm and quiet it was even with the large turnout. There were babies and lots of young children and they were all well mannered; just as respectful as the adults.

It turned out to be a very nice day, I am glad I took the ride.

I took a few pictures to show my sons where their old man is going to end up and thought I would share a few of them here too.

My best to all who served and their families!

I thought I remembered the last surviving WWI veteran died not long ago. Amazing he lived so long, 110 yrs old.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Frank_Buckles

Quote:

Originally Posted by Robin Lewis (Post 150869)

WOW! Robin I had no idea they held such a large event at the NH Veteran's Cemetery. I need to make a point to go next year, my father, two of my former neighbors, and a man I served with are all buried there. (When my daughter was first learning to talk she called her grandpa, pee paw. He never wanted that nick name corrected and he said he wanted it on his marker).

Robin, strange you should mention the state veterans cemeteries. Linda's uncle was buried in the Veterans Cemetery in Allegheny County, Maryland, adjacent to the Rocky Gap State Park. We found out about it when we were looking for a free burial that didn't involve a lot of red tape. His home was in Lavale, MD, just a few miles from the cemetery. We couldn't believe how nice the factility was, right in the middle of grouse country, a resort and enormous lake on the property, really out in the mountains. We later buried Linda's aunt there. I always thought I would be in a crypt at Arlington, but no, I will be out there in Western Maryland at Rocky Gap. By the way, Rocky Gap State Park is now a major casino venue. Best of both worlds. This is one of at least two state sponsored veterans cemeteries in MD. Please investigate your state veterans cemeteries so you don't have to go to God forsaken Arlington. Just joking, of course. I would be honored to be buried at Arlington like many of my friends.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bill Murphy (Post 150874)

I think that cemetery is something special. I have already filed the papers to buried there. Can't say I am looking forward to that but I have it set up already so my family need do very little when the time comes.

Oldest WWII Vet at 108, cigars, whiskey, still working and driving.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Robin Lewis (Post 150877)

I agree with you Robin, it is one of the best maintained cemetery I have seen. I have been there in the evening when they play taps from the speakers hidden in the trees. Some day, a long way away I hope, we'll be neighbors there.

Thanks for all the posts. I did 41 reserve years total and returned to active duty for the last 8 years after 9/11. As they stated, I was recommended and requested by who I never knew but I would go back tomorrow if asked, like most of you. I was fortunate to serve for awhile but, my service does not compare to the years in WWII like my dad. They were the greatest generation. It is great to see the respect that is returning for VETS. It is a family that is alive and well and we will always be proud to be a part of it.
I was fortunate to call a group of retired 2 and 3 star generals friends in D.C. They were all retired and all wanted to know who you were and who did you father serve with, etc. Even though I was only a Master Sargent, they would stand up and reach for my hand when I approached their table. Old time military respect, still wearing the short haircut and grip your hand like a vice. As they pass away, we will always be better for having known them. Always say a prayer for the families of those who never made it back and remember the fallen!

HALLOWED GROUNDS
by: Lisha Lander Hylton, June 2005

"As I walk down the green, sloping hills of Virginia
On the Hallowed Grounds of our Heroes from war;
In the fields that were home to an old Southern General
Rest American Soldiers, in the peace they died for

CHORUS:
They gave their lives for our freedom , in America's name
Our Heroes are gone, but their memories remain
God has called them to His Kingdom, now they rest in Honored Glory
from these Hallowed Grounds we remember their story.

As the wind softly blows through the trees on the hillsides
Like a voice from the past, they whisper to me
"As He died to make men holy. let us live and die to make men free."

Tell me, how many wars will it take 'till we learn
The treasures of freedom, the final AMEN?
Blowing in the breeze is the answer to peace
Among the graves of these proud countrymen

As the sad, mourning cry of a whippoorwill fades
I see in the distance a tomb and a guard
"Here Rests In Honored Glory, An American Soldier
Known But To God"

Entombed in the crypts and so often forgotten
On eagles bold wings their souls will endure
In war after war, their bodies lay shattered
Resting now in The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier

In your own native land lies your dust in the soil
It's fitting for your worthy grave
The earth claims from wars her most sacred souls
The ashes of our courage and our brave

Now live eternal you Saints of our wars
Dear as the blood that you willingly gave
No footstep shall tread on this reverent sod
The heritage of our soldier's holy grave"

And to those who are lost and whose lives are uncertain
In one final prayer we silently make
That their valor and virtue for our country at war
Be our hope for their glorious fate

To those living today giving lives for our freedom
As they fight for The Land of the Free
We pray to Our Lord, our Savior and Father
May God shed His loving Grace upon Thee

As I gaze toward the sunset, as twilight creeps in
Over thousands of graves in the moon's early light
Like fingers caressing, the heart of my soul
I feel their voices whisper softly in the night

Pleading:"Let there be peace on earth for mankind
God, give us the strength, give our world unity
Let the bells toll for freedom, let the stars and stripes fly...
In the land of the brave and the home of the free"

"Dedicated to the men and women who are presently fighting for our country's freedom, to those who have died defending our cause and those who have bravely fought for American freedom and are missing in action; and to my Dad, who taught me to appreciate my country and honor those who have fought so bravely to defend her. I love you Dad!"

My daughter, Lisha, wrote this poem after visiting Arlington National Cemetery and it appears on Arlington's web site.

Wow, you have something very special. You obviously raised a wonderful daughter. Thank you for sharing!