I have the privilege of placing flags on the graves of veterans in advance of Memorial Day each year, at the Lower Marsh Creek Presbyterian Church Cemetery in Gettysburg.
If you’re not familiar, Lower Marsh Creek Presbyterian Church Cemetery is a small graveyard that is located down on a quiet country road. There are 39 Revolutionary War soldiers laid to rest there, as well as 8 from the War of 1812 and 15 from the Civil War. There are also more recent veterans who served during Vietnam, Korea and World War II.
A Message From The Past
I’ve slowly been cleaning the tombstones, and this year I was able to read this one, which has become one of my favorites.
It reads:
In memory of Clayton Chamberlin who was born February 2nd AD 1760 and departed this life February 28 AD 1819
Aged 59 years and 26 days
REMEMBER MAN – AS YOU PASS BY, AS YOU ARE NOW SO ONCE WAS I. AS I AM NOW SO YOU MUST BE, PREPARE FOR DEATH AND FOLLOW ME.
Gettysburg A Patriotic Town
Gettysburg is a patriotic town, and has one of the oldest Memorial Day Parades in the country.
Started in 1867, it honors “those who gave their lives that the Nation might live.”
Memorial Day is considered the kick-off to the summer, but don’t forget the reason for this celebratory weekend, which is brought to you by our fallen heroes.
Have fun and stay safe!