Shanna Riley March 22nd, 2008
Not that the numbers matter, but I have to admit a certain thrill when - with the entry of Marie Genre Poche in historic Magnolia Cemetery in Baton Rouge - I had entered my 1,000th memorial at the Find A Grave website in my 1 year, 2 months as a member.
Here's to many thousands more...
Shanna Riley March 21st, 2008
When I created the "Desecration" category for this blog, it was my honest hope I'd have no cause to use it - and that, even if I did, it would not be very often.
Despite my hopes, however, I am here again to tell you of the saddening defilement that has taken place, once more, in my native state of Louisiana.
Suspect Gary Glover is now behind bars for sneaking into cemeteries in Ascension Parish - mostly on the East Bank - and stealing the traditional, brass markers that mark the graves of our brave countrymen and women that have served us in our United States military. He would, then, turn around and sell the markers at local scrapyards. Now, a number of those scrapyard owners are, also, in jail for not keeping accurate records.
Desecrating or stealing from someone's final resting place is quite possibly the lowest of the low - to do so to those that served our country in times of war and fought for our freedom goes beyond the pale. What then won't such a person stoop to?
As the commenter in the article on WAFB about this atrocity reflected, "Nothing is sacred anymore."
WAFB has provided a list of names of soldiers they know whose markers have been taken - some are not, and may never be, recovered. Please review the names at the "Cemetery Threats" article. You are urged to contact the Ascension Parish Sheriff's Office (225-621-8375) if you recognize any of these unfortunate soul's names.
Shanna Riley March 17th, 2008
Family members aren't the only ones to be interred and remembered in cemeteries. Though rare, it's always a pleasure to come upon a memorial marker - or even an actual grave - of a beloved pet.
Though pet cemeteries do exist, you can sometimes come upon markers or graves for the furriest members of a family in regular, "human" graveyards.
I've never seen an actual pet cemetery - though would love to find one (anyone know of any in or around Louisiana?) - but have come across graves and memorial markers like this one here.
Being a huge animal-lover myself, I can certainly understand the desire to leave behind a more permanent marker or memorial for a dearly departed pet.
I suppose if I had the money and means, I would have markers made for the pets we have lost over the years and that are buried in our own, small "pet cemetery" behind the home where I grew up in Maringouin, Louisiana. Years and generations of beloved animals - dogs, cats, birds, fish, hamsters, and even two worms named Bill & Ted - lie interred beneath the grass just behind our backyard fence; the most recent addition our beloved family beagle, Bailey, who passed away just this last November after nearly twelve wonderful years with us.
We used to mark the graves with large stones that I - as a child and young teen - would carefully inscribe names and dates into with permanent marker; but - today - I doubt any such markers remain. Still, the ground is special to us, marked or no, and we tend it with love and care.
For those with a larger bank account, options such as the photo here shows are available. What a lovely, sweet, and lasting tribute for the pets of Mr. and Mrs. Cornell. It must be nice, also, to bring flowers in memory of these animals that so obviously touched their lives very deeply.
As anyone with family pets can tell you, they are often as precious as your own children and as much a member of the family as any of their less-furry counterparts! To honor and remember them in such a way is the least that can be done to thank them for sharing such love and joy with us during their short lives.
