Memorial Day Weekend at Fredericksburg National Cemetery

Each year on the Saturday of Memorial Day weekend, Boy Scouts from the Fredericksburg area set out American flags and light luminary on the graves at the Fredericksburg National Cemetery, where 16,000 Civil War Union soldiers are buried. 

It is a beautiful, solemn and moving experience to walk through this cemetery in the dark, the way lit only by the candlelight from the luminary.  Though there are hundreds of people making their way to, from, and around the cemetery during this time, it is quiet and there is a reverent atmosphere, punctuated every 30 minutes by the playing of Taps.



The entrance to the cemetery is at the base of a hill, and as we walked up more and more luminary came into sight, until we crested the hill and they were spread out before and around us.  My first thought when I saw the candles spread out in front of me was how incredibly beautiful it was, and a second later I remembered that all that beauty represents thousands of people who died tragically in war time and I was filled with awe at the pain and suffering this sight represents, not only of those who died, but of their families and friends.

 

History Comes Alive

I had explained to the girls where we were going that night, but they didn't fully understand until we got there how large the cemetery is and how many people are buried there.  I told the girls they had to be quiet going through the cemetery to show their respect and they were.  They also started bowing to each grave we passed, and with 16,000 graves in the cemetery that would have taken forever, so I complemented them on their good manners then told them they didn't have to bow to each grave.

I think Elise really grasped the significance of this Memorial Day event, because she told me she was thankful these people had fought for our country.  Experiences like this make history personal and more memorable.

The girls investigated several gravestones, to find the
name of the person buried there.

Our friend Will, who is an American
History professor and works with
Jason, helped the girls figure out
the abbreviations on the gravestones.

Living in a historical place certainly has benefits when it comes to gaining an appreciation for historical events.  This is a unique experience and it is nice to think we can go every year if we want, and be reminded of where our country has come from.