A Day to Remember
Like we do every Memorial Day, we drove up to the Northern California Veterans Cemetery in the tiny town of Igo, on the outskirts of town.
It feels surreal to realize that my husband and I will eventually find our final resting place here. This serene cemetery, filled with memories, holds not only my husband’s father but also my own beloved parents. Spouses can be interred here at a very low cost, while veterans receive this honor at no expense.
A vibrant crowd filled the space with energy and camaraderie, including employees and residents from the Veterans Home. The Cal-Veterans Home is a place close to my heart, as my husband retired from there, and my son currently works there. Recently, Char also decided to volunteer, deepening our connection to this extended family.
These proud members belong to the Sons and Daughters of the American Revolution. I traced my lineage back to before the American Revolution and thought about joining the DAR, but the extensive documentation required is daunting. Only original records are accepted, not those from Ancestry. I wonder: does it really matter? What are the real benefits of membership?
We had several local Gold Star Families at the event. I attended the memorial services for two of their sons, which deeply impacted me. My son was still serving at the time, but I felt compelled to attend. It's heartwarming to see our veteran community come together to support and embrace these families.
"Taps" is a bugle call sounded to signal "lights out" at the end of a military day, and during patriotic memorial ceremonies and military funerals conducted by the United States Armed Forces.
Taps is always sung at the end of the day in the Guiding and Scouting movements as well.
ReplyDeleteGod bless.
Your first photo is what really strikes me. With the tombstone shadows all in a row. You could say they are the shadows of death.
ReplyDeleteSo beautiful and humbling. Grateful for your family's service and all they have done.
ReplyDeleteSue
There is something so moving about military cemeteries. This one is beautiful. You spent your day well.
ReplyDeleteWe have a military ceremony near us too. Remembering the men and women who gave their lives for us.
ReplyDeleteI feel so blessed (to) have proud patriotic folks like you in my circle of friends!
ReplyDeleteI love how you all marked this solemn day, Debby. God bless all the families that lost loved ones in all the wars.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great way to spend Memorial Day. My grandfather, who was a WW11 veteran, was buried in a military cemetery and they played Taps at his funeral. Now whenever I hear Taps being played I get really emotional. I am so grateful to all who served and I don't take that for granted.
ReplyDeleteVery nice of you to visit the cemetery. We have so much to thank them for.
ReplyDeleteHello Debby,
ReplyDeleteThank you for your post. Praying along with you.
Carla
Debby, Yes to answer your question. Both Steve and Mark went to Terra Nova. Steve graduated in 86 and Mark in 91. I graduated from Capuchino in 61 and several of my classmates never made it back from the war. I married in 1964 and lived in the Richmond district of San Francisco. Those were such unsettled and sad times with all the riots and scary times. Moved to Pacifica in late 1966 and we were there in Park Pacifica for 41 years. Our roots were pretty deep there
ReplyDeleteSue
What a small world. I graduated from Terra Nova in 72, and my sister was in the class of 77. You were one of the early Park Pacificans - I remember when it was all a horse stable and ranch. I lived off Lindamar Blvd, (back in the valley) near Madeira Dr, just before Oddstead and St. Peter's Catholic Church. I hated high school and left home to get my apartment after starting work in the city immediately following graduation. My good friend, who also lives in Rocklin, graduated from Capuchino High School, class of 1971. Truly is a small world.
DeleteA wonderful post
ReplyDeleteI didn't go to a military cemetery, but I did go to a memorial service at our local cemetery. There were some gold star families, a Veteran of the Korean war and a few other servicemen. My uncles and great uncles all made it back alive.
ReplyDeleteThank you for perspective. God Bless
ReplyDelete