Andalusia, Alabama

Defined by the Regional Economy ~ Logging:  Here's a headstone that puts someone in his place: the Southern pine forest that is the source of an income for so many people in rural Alabama. Yet, we also know something about the person himself: He was "a friend to all both near and far." Stone Lake Gardens. [2017]

Appleton, Alabama

Defined by the Regional Economy ~ Logging:  Here lies a truck driver, and a proud one at that! Now you know what he did for a living. What did he do in his spare time? Went fishing. What else? He tended to his family: "Beloved husband, father, son and brother." Weaver Cemetery. [2017]

Harrisburg, Pennsylvania

Spring Comes to the Cemetery:  White gives way to green just as winter gives way to spring. In South Central Pennsylvania, it happens in mid-May. Winter is, for sure, over; summer is, for sure, coming. The dogwood marks the transition. Resurrection Cemetery. [2014]

Wilmington, Delaware

Spring Comes to the Cemetery:  Azaleas, buttercups, and dandelions: a perfect palette for springtime, a perfect complement to a refreshed verdure, a perfect way to celebrate May Day. Americans may ignore May Day, but it's one of the most important holidays for those from the Slavic east. Lombardy Cemetery. [2017]

Jay, Florida

Spring Comes to the Cemetery:  Wildflowers do such a wonderful job of bringing the golden orb to earth's surface. Every cemetery should have a cover of color to welcome the high-sun season. The green will last for the next six months, but the yellow will last for only a few weeks. Whether you are alive or dead: Enjoy it! Jay Cemetery. [2017]

Guymon, Oklahoma

Spring Comes to the Cemetery:  Late April brings the redbuds to life in the Oklahoma panhandle. It may be the region's most popular ornamental tree. That means, of course, that it is a common component of cemetery landscapes as well as front yards, thereby making last resting places more like life resting places. Elmhurst Cemetery. [2017]

Glassboro, New Jersey

Spring Comes to the Cemetery:  Cemeteries are at their best in spring and fall, the colorful seasons. Blue skies are part of the palette year-round, but spring brings renewed green, with torches of pink, and speckles of yellow. Manahath Cemetery. [2017]

Jay, Florida

The Holy Estate of Matrimony ~ Wedding Bells Ring:  Wedding bells usually indicate a church wedding, but the day they got married was during the Great Depression, so it was probably a simple ceremony for family and friends. He was three years older than his bride, so it looks like he may have waited for her to graduate from high school. Jay Cemetery. [2017]

Earth, Texas

The Holy Estate of Matrimony ~ Wedding Bells Ring:  He was a veteran of World War II. She was a veteran of forty-three years of marriage. With three sons, their family must have been the best on Earth, that perfect post-war household of the 1950s. She saw to it that he was honored when he passed: "Strong, faithful, loving, and kind. What wonderful memories you left behind." Who will see to it that she is honored when her time comes? We probably know the answer to that question. Earth Cemetery. [2016]

South Charleston, West Virginia

The Holy Estate of Matrimony ~ Wedding Bells Ring:  Bells rang on February 8, 1949, the day they were married (love birds that they were!). They made it almost fifty years. Wedding bells usually suggest a church wedding. Sunset Memorial Park. [2015]

Montgomery, Alabama

The Holy Estate of Matrimony ~ No Rings:  What confidence is exhibited here: confidence in their marriage, that is. They have been married since 1976, and felt the need to record that date on their memorial. They will remain married until one is put beneath the sod, and, judging from their ages, that may be well into the future. Their expectation: to be together forever. Alabama Heritage Cemetery. [2013]

Key West, Florida

The Holy Estate of Matrimony ~ No Rings:  "Childhood sweethearts. She was eleven and he was twelve." They got married as teenagers (probably right after she graduated from high school), and it lasted for 47 years. In life, they had a story to tell. In death, they continue to tell it. Key West Cemetery. [2014]

Frederick, Maryland

The Holy Estate of Matrimony ~ No Rings:  Here's a leap-year wedding, and just one day before the 29th of February. Maybe she proposed to him. That was the old tradition: During leap years, the woman could propose to the man. She brought to the marriage an Irish heritage; he brought a German heritage. What else can you tell from this headstone? They were Phillies fanatics. They were immensely proud of their hometown (see the spires?). They were Christians. Want to know more? Just Koogle it. Mt. Olivet Cemetery. [2014]

Grand Forks, North Dakota

The Holy Estate of Matrimony ~ One Ring:  Wedding dates are often inscribed on the hoop's inside. This couple was married in June, still the most popular month for weddings in the United States (though September and October are catching up). Any issue after the wedding? Yes, they are named in the footnote. Memorial Park. [2012]

Ellsworth, Wisconsin

The Holy Estate of Matrimony ~ One Ring:  Why do so many wedding rings, replete with wedding dates, show up on headstones? Here's one theory: To remind him not to forget their anniversary (like he did so often when they were alive)! Maple Grove Cemetery. [2012]

Shippensburg, Pennsylvania

The Holy Estate of Matrimony ~ One Ring:  If getting married means that "two shall become one," then one ring is all you need on a headstone. On the other hand, maybe there are two rings on this headstone, but all you see is one. It might be an optical illusion. After all, you see only one cross even though it is made up of two parts. Now: How many love birds do you see? Spring Hill Cemetery. [2013]