Civil War Soldier Honored at Pine Ridge Cemetery
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Memorial Day 2015 dawned on a cloudy day with rain in the forecast. Many people thought the day had passed because of ceremonies two weeks earlier on Armed Forces day and the Monday holiday that was recently observed. But Memorial Day is celebrated on May 30. A day selected because no Civil War action was recorded on that date.
A group of Civil War re-enactors, along with local history buffs and Friends of Pine Ridge Cemetery gathered that morning at the Soldier's Rest circle of stones in the cemetery to honor fallen veterans and to dedicate a new headstone for Luther M. Ellison.
Ellison, who passed in 1901, was buried in Pine Ridge, but then largely forgotten. No headstone has been found and records were incomplete. That is until Kassandra Ellison from Leroy, Michigan began searching genealogy records. She and husband Dexter eventually traced Luther to Pine Ridge.
As a Civil War vet, Luther qualified for an official headstone. With the stone in place, the former soldier was given a military funeral with all readings, prayers, and salute. Dexter, Kassandra, and Dexter's sister Judy (Ellison) Franklin each laid a traditional item at the headstone.
With rain arriving from the west, the visitors and participants gathered in a light mist for the ceremony. Musicians included a piper in full kilt, a string and flute quartet, and a trumpeter who played taps.
Several other individuals were honored after the military ceremony. Lewis and Dorothy Moore were recognized for their work maintaining the grounds in 60's through 80's. The late Marv Kusmierz, a local historian active in the current Friends of Pine Ridge group was remembered. A bench has been placed in Marv's honor.
Closing the ceremonies, Eric Jylha presented a short talk on the history of Memorial Day. He noted that May 30 was selected because it was the one date on which no Civil War action was recorded. Started by two young girls, the day caught on and was officially designated Decoration Day, a day to decorate the graves of veterans with spring flowers. Michigan was the first state to officially recognize the day. They were quickly followed by other states.
Pine Ridge was the first cemetery in Bay City. As the small cemetery was eclipsed by other cemeteries it was eventually abandoned. Ownership passed and today there is no owner. Yet Pine Ridge is the last resting place of some of Bay City's most prominent founders, pioneers and leaders. It is also home to a number of Civil War veterans.
The future of the cemetery is in the hands of volunteers. Ron Graham, the unofficial caretaker spends his retirement on the grounds. He has found and documented lost graves and stones, repaired what can be repaired, put up signs, and, incidentally, he mows the grass. Without Ron and other local historians, the cemetery would began to disappear under the grass and shrubs. Bay County owes a great deal to these faithful volunteers and their hard work.
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Salute is given after rifle and other items are placed at the stone |
Traditional readings were offered to the fallen soldier |
Re-enactors Salute Fallen Soldier |
Soldier's Rest Circle |
Paul Cormier plays Taps |
Group offers final respects |
Eric Jylha gives history of Memorial Day |
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Stephen Kent |
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