One of the most rewarding things I have done as a Groundskeeper, is transforming this Cemetery. It's over a hundred years old, and had been neglected for over twenty years. The stones were falling over and covered in grime. Documents mapping out who was buried where were scattered about. Many graves were left unmarked.
This cemetery started as the Woman's Relief Core cemetery, for widows from the Civil War that lived at the Woman's Relief home. Later, it became a Veterans home, and Vets were buried here as well.
My father was a Vet, and I have worked at this place for many years now. To say I have a soft spot is an understatement. So when I saw this dilapidated cemetery and no one had taken up the mantel of taking care of it. I knew I had to.
It was a lot of work, I ran through documents I made an Excel spreadsheet for a map. I sprayed every stone with cleaner and it started to change. I spent a week straightening stones, and watched it come to its former glory. The facility started ordering the plaques and stones for those that were missing. I have spent the last few months placing, straightening and documenting the whole process.
It's a completely different place now, it feels like a memorial. No longer forgotten, and will always be celebrated. In honor to those who have served, and gave it all.
Happy Memorial day.
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