Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery by Karen Ruhl / photo by Karen Ruhl

Click the link above so you can visit this cemetery online. It is my hope that you look at the website and remember that these men and women gave their lives so that we can be free.

Fort Rosecrans is a popular cemetery, both for those visiting their loved ones and those honoring the men and women who have served, and for photographers. As a photographer, I have visited this cemetery on several occasions.

The first time I visited this cemetery, I was overwhelmed as I walked around reading the tombstone headings. The grave marker dates go back into the 1800’s. As I walked and read more of the history of the cemetery, I saw monuments. One was The Ommaney Bay CVE-79 monument, an etched granite memorial to the men lost in action when the ship was bombed in January of 1945.

The ages of the men and women who gave their lives for our country range. It was so sad to know how many young men and women lost their lives before they even had a chance to begin. I cannot even think about the sadness their parents, siblings, and family friends experienced when they got word their loved ones had died. And others left their families behind without a husband or father to care for them.

As I write this article, I am thankful for each of of the people who so bravely served us over the years. I believe most of the photographers that visit this cemetery feel that overwhelming power of respect as we capture the incredible number of graves. I pray, I shed a few tears, and I am grateful that I am living in a free country because of these men and women.

At the end of a great Memorial Day speech, our President, Donald Trump, said this. “May God bless the families of the fallen. May God bless the men and women who serve. And may God bless the United States of America — our great country.”

May God indeed bless those who gave the ultimate sacrifice for our country. May He also bless those who are currently serving and all of those who have served.

May we NEVER forget what these brave men and women fought so hard to protect. Pray for our Freedom.

Photo by Karen Ruhl