I have had the privilige of attending Services at Camp Nelson National Cemetary in Jessamine County Kentucky. I have a few friends and relatives buried there. The items that really makes the tears flow has to be the playing of Taps, The 21 gun salute and then the older Veterans trying to stand up out of their wheelchairs. My son had the privilige of being asked to play Taps at a few of these services. Still have to wipe my eyes just thinking about this. Now I would love to take the trip to Arlington but I probley will not make it there. I would like to thank each and every person who has served, Had children who served, or had a parent who served. I know this is not much but it is all I can do for those who I can not meet in person.
Thank you
Charlie
My great-grand-uncle J.B. Marshall, the brother of my great-grandfather, is buried at Camp Nelson. He died during the Civil War. My great-grandfather also served for the Union during that war, saw battle, and had a foot destroyed by frostbite during a forced march in the snow from Saltville, Virginia to Lexington, KY in December of 1864. He was lucky enough to have survived; had he not done so, I would not exist.
Private John Barlow Marshall, who was orphaned at the age of 6, met his end 3/27/1863 in the service of his country near Frankfort, Kentucky, and received a hasty burial near where he died. He was only 19 years old and never had a chance to live a normal life, marry or have children. His remains were disinterred in July of 1868, and he was re-buried at Camp Nelson, in grave G-2080. Someday I hope to go there to pay my respects. It is sad that he, like so many young men and women, never lived out his life.
We owe so much to those who have died in our Nation's wars, and it is so tragic that some were never identified to give a grieving family some closure. It is especially fitting that those who lie in unmarked graves be honored with silence, respect and prayers.
Not far from my maternal grandparents' graves in Bisbee Arizona, among many weeds, is the un-cared-for grave of an unknown soldier, probably from the Spanish-American War. When we visit the graveyard, I take a small American flag and place it there to honor him. The ultimate sacrifice of those unfortunately nameless men should always be respected and never forgotten.
John
