What’s Gotta Stay

In Memory of

On this day where we remember loves ones past on, we especially pay tribute to those that gave their lives in defending our liberties. Though this may be a solemn occasion in most cases, I also choose to think of it as a celebration of those loved ones past on before us as well.

I have no graves nearby I can visit to remember my family. My father and his father both chose to be cremated and have their ashes spread over their favorite mountain. I pay tribute to them whenever I can visit that special place in Montana where we fulfilled their wishes. Personally, I would like to do something similar. My mother-in-law said it well; she would like to have a park bench installed and dedicated to her rather than take up space in a cemetery. It is a personal choice though, and no choice is right or wrong.

For those that do choose to be buried, it does provide a place that we can visit and remember fondly those we love. Today I went to the local cemetery near me with the thought of taking photographs of flowers, flags and the military memorial recently installed there. I did take these photos, though I became quickly more interested in seeing those that were not only visiting graves, but taking time to care for them.

The love and care these people were putting into the care of these simple memorials to their loved ones really struck me. The man in this photo was scraping weather build up from around the lettering with a razor blade, and carefully cleaning out each letter in the stone. What a testament to his love and respect for those buried there. I hope we can all have this same feelings for those we owe our lives to, both our ancestors and those that have fought for our freedoms.

I love you dad. I miss you too.

Link to desktop wallpaper sized version.

Canon 20D, 24-105L, 1/500 at f4.0 and 100ISO