Last weekend, we took a trip to visit the area in Ohio where I spent my youth growing up. It was a special trip because my brother, sister-in-law, my husband and I took our folks’ ashes to be laid in their final resting place. We also spent the weekend visiting homes where we grew up and places that were special to us in one way or another. You can read about it HERE. During this same trip, we stopped to visit the incredible Ohio Veterans Memorial Park which was built in Clinton, Ohio; the neighboring town from where I grew up. The memorial is so beautiful and it is truly worth a visit if you are anywhere in Northeastern Ohio.
On Monday, my brother had made arrangements at the Ohio Western Reserve Cemetery in Seville, OH for a special service they hold for veterans.
The cemetery is absolutely beautiful and impeccably manicured. Such a fitting place to honor those who have served our country, many sacrificing or paying the ultimate price.
My father was an ensign in the Navy during World War II. He was in Normandy on D-Day and also served in the Pacific fleet.
We arrived at a beautiful pavilion……
….and were greeted by Navy representatives in uniform and a company of riflemen.
In the pavilion, there was a folded flag and my parents’ ashes.
A chaplain said some brief, meaningful words about our country’s veterans and he gave a prayer.
Taps was played and the servicemen folded the flag in a ceremony where there wasn’t a dry eye by any of us in attendance.
The flag folding ceremony was so beautifully and precisely executed. They presented me with the flag.
My brother said some words about my Dad which made the ceremony even more special and meaningful. The riflemen gave my father a 21 gun salute.
We may be smiling, but there were many tears. The ceremony was very moving and such beautiful closure on such a beautiful day. My parents, especially my Dad, would have been so incredibly proud.
We were blessed to have some extended family and friends share this moment in time with us.
Hi Kimberley
I have recently purchased one of your online classes from craftsy (which I am enjoying immensely) so I feel like I am just getting to know you.
What an amazing opportunity to revisit your old home and reconnect with friends of your parents. It must have been a rewarding but very emotional visit.
How wonderful to have so many beautiful memories of your parents; who seem to have been very special people.
Blessings
Kerrie
Hi Kimberley,
First thank you for your nice comment on my reply ….
That day must have been so special, emotional for you, your brother, spouses and your family….
What a beautiful pictures, you both must be so proud of your parents…thank you for sharing this…..
That was a really special moment, you’ll never forget……
Diane
Kimberly,
I love that you were able to have this memorial for your parents and that you were willing to share this with all of us! I too had a very tears!
I wanted to say that you look so much like your dad! What a great picture of him!
Take care!
Kelly
Kimberly, thank you for sharing this memorable moment. Quilters have lives beyond the fabric made in the hand, but which is often remembered though little scraps of memories we piece in our hearts forever, an internal quilt that warms us for a lifetime.
Blessings,
Carol
What a touching memorial. I’m sorry for the loss of your parents. It’s been nice seeing the pictures of your trip. I was born in Cuyahoga Falls and lived there until age 5. It still sort of seems like home especially as I spent summers there with my grandparents growing up.
Kimberly, Thank you for sharing your photo’s and memories. What a great memorial to your parents. Loved seeing the photo of your father in his Navy uniform. My husband was in the Navy U.S.S. Chenango 1941 to 1947 W.W.2. I have signed up for two of your classes on Crafty. I am on the 1st step of the Mystery Quilt. Ready to sew my pieces together.
Kim, I so enjoyed reading your blog of the special weekend. Thank you also for the beautiful quilt. I have it on the back of the couch so we enjoy it daily. Any time you want to come and visit your parents “special place” you are welcome to stay! Love you guys!
What a lovely resting place. So peaceful….