The manner in which Memorial Day is observed at Cherokee Memorial Park here in Lodi is different and unique. I know of no other cemetery that makes such an effort to honor those who have served the United States. Each of the large flags and the flagpole bearing it has been donated by the family of a veteran whose final resting place is the park. The number of flags flown gets larger every year. Each of the small flags represents a man or woman who has given his/her life in the current conflict in Iraq.
My father, a World War II veteran, loved to visit the park on Memorial Day each year to see all of the flags. He was accorded full military honors at his funeral and we immediately donated the flag that was presented to my mother because we knew that was his wish. I took this photo of my mother and boys standing beside his flag about 11 or 12 years ago:
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jams o donnell 03.08.08 at 3:01 am
It’s so good to see veterans commemorated so well. Each year there is a field of remembrance by Westminster Abbey in London. People put down crosses with poppoes on to commemorate fallen family members. Just before Remembraqnce Sunday it is such a moving sight. Happy weekend
Hootin' Anni 03.08.08 at 3:58 am
You’re getting a different reaction from me too…..I normally don’t get chills viewing SPH photos, but this one gave me goose flesh. How awesome.
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Jake 03.08.08 at 8:22 am
That’s beautiful - more places should be able to do this.
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genny 03.08.08 at 10:19 am
Oh thats cool shot. Happy hunting…
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Frances 03.08.08 at 1:49 pm
I teared up reading it.
Thanks for sharing.
Frances
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sarge charlie 03.08.08 at 2:09 pm
this touches the old sarge’s heart.
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sarge charlie 03.08.08 at 2:15 pm
Just so you know, I also read your 13 reasons why I should have know your father, excellent post.
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SnoopyTheGoon 03.09.08 at 4:17 am
Beautiful and touching tradition. Have a great week.
Chris Stormer 03.09.08 at 8:59 am
I like the way the Memorial Day at Cherokee Memorial Park in Lodi is celebrated. It reminds us of the great contributions of the ancestors in raising the level of the country.
Stacie (The Twinkies) 03.10.08 at 6:05 am
What a great shot. Happy (photo) hunting!
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Odzyskiwanie Danych 03.10.08 at 7:35 am
Beautiful photo, it has to bring so many memories … I don’t always support the government but I strongly support our soldiers and veterans. They are real modern day heroes.
kailani 03.10.08 at 11:12 am
That is a pretty awesome sight! I can just imagine seeing it in person! Wow!
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Ryan 06.05.08 at 9:05 pm
Hey, I just wanted to say “wow”! All those American flags give me chills looking at them (good chills!). That’s really a site to behold. Proud to be an American
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