Archive: Opinions

This weekend all of America will pause for a few moments to honor those who served in our armed forces.  Memorial Services and military ceremonies will take place in such famous places as Arlington National Cemetery and Ground Zero in New York City as well as in and small towns and villages across the country. 

Many will travel to their local cemeteries and gather around a cross or special monument honoring those who fought to protect our nation and its ideals of liberty, freedom, and justice.  Old men dressed in their VFW or American Legion uniforms will stand alongside men and women who currently serve in our armed forces.
 
Each of them will come to attention and proudly salute the flag as a lone bugler plays those hauntingly familiar notes we call Taps.  Some will shed tears for those who died in combat.  Others will look on with fondness as they recall the many years they have participated in these ceremonies. 

I have a real fondness for cemeteries, especially older ones.  I enjoy walking through them, exploring the many untold stories written upon the slate, granite and marble.  These are real people- husbands and wives, side by side, surrounded by their children.  Infants and youngsters are close by, their markers depicting a small carved lamb resting on top.  In some instances, the names have faded leaving only the words, “our dear little lamb . . . 2 years 3 months and 11 days.”

Some monuments reflect the predominant view of death during a particular era, while others represent the popular styles of the day. Simple slate markers are reminiscent of the mid to late 18th century.  The names of Revolutionary War Veterans and their spouses are often carved on them.  They are rare finds and provide glimpses into the early years of our nation.  

Obelisks, urns atop ornate columns and white marble carvings are from the early to mid 19th century.  These represent the revival of interest in ancient Egypt, Greece, and Rome in 19th century western society.  Here we find the names of Civil War Veterans along with their spouses and other prominent citizens from that era.  Their bleached white frames and blackened letters stand in stark contrast to the other monuments. 

Granite tombstones dominate the era from the late 19th century to the present. They are large hulks with the names and dates of the departed featured prominently in large block lettering.  They too tell the story of war veterans and ordinary villagers from all ages and walks of life. 

Lansing is home to nearly a dozen of such cemeteries.  They serve as historical records preserved in stone for generations to admire and study.  Yet, they are fragile and often at the mercy of nature as well as humans.  Stones heave and topple.  Some crack, weather, and fade with the change of seasons.   Others fall victim to vandalism. 
One of my favorite spots to explore is the older section of Pine Grove Cemetery in Ludlowville.  It is an ideal spot to stroll through and admire the artwork, skill and beauty of carved stone in nature.  Majestic maples overshadow row after row of stones while Obelisks stand as sentries throughout the graveyard. 

Yet there are moments of sadness as one sees how neglect has overtaken some parts of the cemetery.  There are stones cracked and in need of repair.  Some have toppled over and are lying flat on the ground.  Some are propped against trees or other markers waiting for nature to push them over. 

Concerned individuals with skills and know-how are willing to help preserve these monuments of history.  We owe it to our ancestors and others who lie buried in these hallowed grounds to do our part and restore this and other cemeteries.  It is the civic duty of those who are in charge of this and other cemeteries to organize a community wide program to save our cemeteries for this and future generations.  I speak not only for myself but for many when I say, this is truly a shovel ready project.  And that is to the point. 

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