On my way home from work every day, I drive by the Springfield National Cemetery. It’s a somber sort of place as one can imagine that is surrounded by a 4 foot high limestone and concrete wall, protecting the final resting place of our service men and women.
image by IPBrian ©Recently, on the busiest of corners, as happens from time to time, someone ran into the wall knocking part of it down leaving a large fissure. I found what must have been I violent opening to have a sort of lyrical structure that made me think of the sacrifices of our service members and their families.
The photo was begging to be taken so I packed up my gear and headed across town.
image by IPBrian ©I always find cemeteries to be an overly serene place and the National Cemetery is no different. Even with one of the busiest streets in Springfield running adjacent, it has a quite sense of peace. Perhaps the guardian wall does help provide some shelter from the outside.
image by IPBrian ©
image by IPBrian ©I never like to actually stand on the graves of the deceased. For some reason I find it disrespectful; I always have.
After taking photos of the graves I made sure to brush off the headstones and clean up any debris around the site. It was the least I could do, but a humble gesture I of gratitude that I could offer.
On this Veteran’s Day I send out my thanks to all of our service men and women past and present. Thank you for your service to our country, and stay safe.