Visiting Jack and MaryAnn

Yesterday John and I took a road trip to go visit Jack and MaryAnn (John's mom and dad) in their final resting place.

They are in The Southern Wisconsin Veteran's cemetery in Union Grove, Wisconsin.

First challenge, finding a good way to get to Union Grove.  We had never been there before, so we were traveling on some virgin roads.

We headed out to Whitewater where we had lunch a Rocky Roccoco's, one of our favorite places.

We took Highway 12 to Highway 20 through East Troy and on to Union Grove.

The cemetery lies outside the town in a very peaceful area that exudes honor and respect.

Since they were both cremated, they are located in a columbarium wall.

The cemetery actually has a computer type locator to find any name you might need.

I am not used to such a high tech cemetery.

We located Jack and MaryAnn and were very pleased with the look of things at this, their final mark left on this world.

As in all military cemeteries, the stones are lined up perfectly except for some ground settling.

 I find it very humbling to walk up and down these rows and read the names of the heroes who gave up so much so that I could enjoy so many freedoms in this wonderful country of ours.
How do you begin to thank them for such sacrifice.
Many of them did not die in battle, but they still, like John's dad, gave up many things to go fight on foreign and unforgiving soil and came home with nightmarish memories.

This area is dedicated to the fallen soldier.
This statue of a soldier's empty boots, gun, and helmet dates back to the civil war when soldiers used it to mark the spot where a soldier died.  It was a simple way to honor them.  The empty boots signify the fact that they will never be filled again.
Very moving.

 Here is the entrance to the cemetery.

The chapel which also has public restrooms which are open from sunrise till sunset.
I found that to be a nice feature at a cemetery, too.

 John's dad fought in the Korean war and here is a memorial to that forgotten war.

 One last look.

 I know John's dad would have been very pleased and proud to be memorialized among so many heroes and friends.
It is a great honor to him, his courage, and his service to our country.
So anxious to take the girls to see where Pops and Mamaw "are", although we all know they are really in heaven.
I can't wait to give them a history lesson on these brave men and women.
RIP Jack and MaryAnn.

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