Memorial Day Observed
May 28, 2018
By: Stephen Kent
Wherever you were, anywhere in America, on Monday, you saw the flags and the ceremonies and heard the mournful notes of Taps being played by a lone bugler. On Memorial Day a thankful nation honored those who have served and died in the country's armed services.
On this bright, warm summer morning, services were held in most of the Cemeteries of Bay County. At Historic Pine Ridge, which lies between Elm Lawn and Green Ridge Cemeteries, two services were held. Wreaths were laid, gun salutes fired, and the services read.
In a tradition that goes back years, reenactors dress in the uniform of the GAR (Grand Army of the Republic) solemnly saluted and paid their respect.
Pine Ridge is an "abandoned" cemetery which has no formal owner. The volunteer "Friends of Pine Ridge" group meets regularly and maintains the historic site. Ron Graham can be found frequently exploring with a metal rod to find lost graves where fallen stones have sunk below the surface. Jim Petrimoulx does painstaking research and petitions the US Government for official markers when soldiers graves are documented. Other members of the "Friends" help with research, mow, clean, restore, and take care of the grounds.
Memorial Day occurs only once a year. Remembering those who went before is forever.
Soldier's Rest commemorative circle honors veterans of the Civil War
Honor Guard Salutes those who have fallen
Paul Davis reads from the Service For The Fallen
Honor Guard Fires Salute
Solem Taps Played At Each Ceremony
Cannon placed to honor the "Grand Army of the Republic"
Soldiers look on
The tradition of the coin:
A penny left on the top of the headstone shows that the grave-site was visited.
A nickel is left by one who trained with the deceased.
A dime means the visitor served with with the deceased.
A quarter is left by someone was with the veteran when they were killed.