Laramie, Wyoming

Reflecting on Life ~ "End of Construction: Thank You For Your Patience":  There are two ways to understand his parting words. What words have you uttered daily that might throw a whole new light on the life you have lived? Green Hill Cemetery. [2013]

Paradise, Pennsylvania

Reflecting on Life ~ "The Person That Has Lived The Most Is Not The One With The Most Years, But The One With The Richest Experiences":  Their epitaph is a reminder to us all. Make every day an experience and revel in it. St. Johns United Methodist Church Cemetery. [2014]

Aberdeen, Ohio

Reflecting on Life ~ "Life: Helluva Party":  Survey time: Pick the verb that fills your void. Life ___ one helluva party.  (a) is (b) used to be (c) should have been (d) could have been, (e) never was. Charter Oak Cemetery. [2014]

Cheyenne, Wyoming

Philosophy of Life ~ "We Took The Road Less Traveled":  The epitaph speaks for a husband-and-wife team: They took the road less traveled. And, then, the road ended. Lakeview Cemetery. [2013]

Woodford, Virginia

Philosophy of Life ~ "I'm a Living Testimony": Through her music, she apparently made her life a testimony to her faith. From the afterlife, she continues to inspire just because someone, maybe her, designed the perfect headstone. Mount Lawn Cemetery. [2012]

Bay St. Louis, Mississippi

Philosophy of Life ~ "I Lived My Life My Way":  The family name fits the epitaph, doesn't it? It's the type of declaration that answers some questions and raises others. Don't we all want to live our lives our way? But do we? Cedar Rest Cemetery. [2014]

James Island, South Carolina

Flying the Flag after Veterans Day:  Faithfulness and patriotism go together on so many memorials. This headstone appears to have been designed by the pre-dead. Presumably still alive, this couple has taken the opportunity to shape the narrative that will shape the world's view of them long after they are gone. Sometimes that task is left to survivors. Presbyterian Church Cemetery. [2012]

Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania

Flying the Flag on Veterans Day:  It's the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month: the moment in time when, 96 years ago, the hostilities of what we know as World War I came to an end. When this 'veteran's veteran' was born, the day was still called Armistice Day. After World War II, however, it became a day to honor all who served. Judging from the list of accomplishments on his eternal resume, it looks like this Pennsylvanian should have been nominated to be the Secretary of Veterans Affairs. He lived and loved to serve. [2014]

Xenia, Ohio

Flying the Flag for Veterans Day:  Flags on granite last forever, but they lack color. The solution: Plant a real flag in the contiguous zone, perhaps in a bronze flag holder that acknowledges the last resting place of a US veteran. This veteran looks like he might have been a little too young for Korea and a little too old for Vietnam. Nevertheless, he was prepared to sacrifice his life for his country; two flags honor his valor. Woodland Cemetery. [2013]

Griffin, Georgia

Flying the Flag for Veterans Day:  Another veteran, another American flag. He (Dad and Granddaddy) gets the seal of the U.S. Army over his name. As a "great army wife," she (Mother and Meme) gets the stars and stripes. Need this couple add "Proud to be Americans"? There is something unique about one symbol on this headstone: rings of different sizes to symbolize their marriage. New Oak Cemetery. [2014]

Montgomery, West Virginia

Flying the Flag for Veterans Day: Veterans Day is coming up next week. It's time to honor the fallen by visiting their burial places and saying thank you for their sacrifice. Many of their grave markers will have an American flag etched into the granite. The holiday was initiated in 1919, one year after the end of the Great War, when President Wilson proclaimed every November 11 to be Armistice Day:  "to be filled with solemn pride in the heroism of those who died in the country's service and with gratitude for the victory." This soldier was born in the year World War I ended; he "died in the service of his country" in the last years of World War II. Montgomery Memorial Park. [2010]