OR Last guy gets his stone

[John Winn]

Today we installed the stone we had made to mark the grave of the only Civil War veteran in the cemetery where I volunteer who didn't have a marker. Here 'tis:

He was regular army and served mostly at the Presidio in San Francisco. He came to Oregon shortly after the war. He was Swiss (a lot of Swiss and Germans here then). Until two years ago we didn't know where he was buried in the cemetery (but knew he was in the cemetery) but while looking at some photo collections at the local historical society I found a labeled photo of his grave with all the flowers on it and was able to locate the exact spot using stones and trees that could be seen in the background. So, we had this stone made but it took a while to get (long story). We wanted to get it in before Memorial Day. He'll get a flag.

 

[UCVRelics]

Very Nice. You are to be commended for the efforts.

 

[Elliot Crumblemuffin]

You'll get reimbursed for your efforts one way or another . Very nice!

 

[bdtex]

Until two years ago we didn't know where he was buried in the cemetery (but knew he was in the cemetery) but while looking at some photo collections at the local historical society I found a labeled photo of his grave with all the flowers on it and was able to locate the exact spot using stones and trees that could be seen in the background. So, we had this stone made but it took a while to get (long story). We wanted to get it in before Memorial Day. He'll get a flag.

Outstanding. Wish I coulda been there for the unveiling. Very commendable sir.

 

[letterreader]

Today we installed the stone we had made to mark the grave of the only Civil War veteran in the cemetery where I volunteer who didn't have a marker. Here 'tis:
View attachment 441185

He was regular army and served mostly at the Presidio in San Francisco. He came to Oregon shortly after the war. He was Swiss (a lot of Swiss and Germans here then). Until two years ago we didn't know where he was buried in the cemetery (but knew he was in the cemetery) but while looking at some photo collections at the local historical society I found a labeled photo of his grave with all the flowers on it and was able to locate the exact spot using stones and trees that could be seen in the background. So, we had this stone made but it took a while to get (long story). We wanted to get it in before Memorial Day. He'll get a flag.

Very important work through your volunteerism. A well-marked headstone is an "entry ramp" for the journey of remembering.

 

[nc native]

Anytime you recognize the service that a military veteran performed for his country you are performing a good deed. Putting a stone in place so others can recognize a military veteran multiplies that good deed many times. Well done!

 

[John Winn]

Anytime you recognize the service that a military veteran performed for his country you are performing a good deed. Putting a stone in place so others can recognize a military veteran multiplies that good deed many times. Well done!

Thanks so much. I'm really happy to see the response. We try to honor all our vets and in the past have obtained military markers for a number who didn't have one (but not CW vets; last one was Spanish American War). Unfortunately, it's now got very hard to get a government stone if you aren't a direct relative so we just had one made. Veterans of all wars - and even local militia members - get a flag on Memorial Day and we have a small ceremony (bag pipes last year). All the flags are eventually removed and the local VFW chapter retires the damaged ones in the officially-prescribed manner.

 

[rebel brit]

Congratulations to you and the team. Very commendable.