National Cemetery Number One

There were so many casualties during the Civil War, that on July 17, 1862, Congress directed President Lincoln to purchase cemetery grounds "to be used as a national cemetery for soldiers who shall die in the service of their country."

Not only was Fort Scott chosen as one of the original 14, but it's one of only 3 west of the Mississippi -- the others being Fort Leavenworth and Keokuk, Iowa.

We're proud to have, what used to be the Presbyterian Graveyard, Fort Scott National Cemetery (No. 1)

These gates are never closed . . . . except during a burial.

Blades of grass and pure white stones

Shelter those who've come and gone

Just below the emerald sod

Are the boy's who've reached the arms of god.

Buried here in dignity

Endless rows for all to see

Freedom's seeds in sorrow sown

These blades of grass and pure white stones.

Blades of grass and pure white stones

cover those who left their homes

to rest in fields here side by side

lest we forget their sacrifice.

Buried here in dignity

Endless rows for all to see

Freedoms seeds in sorrow sown

These blades of grass and pure white stones

Just below the emerald sod

Are boys who've reached the arms of God

Buried here in dignity

Endless rows for all to see

Freedom's seeds in sorrow sown

These blades of grass and pure white stones.

Blades of grass and pure white stones

cover those who've left their homes

to rest in fields here side by side

lest we forget their sacrifice.

Buried here in dignity

Endless rows for all to see.

Freedom's seeds in sorrow sown

These blades of grass and pure white stones.

Just below the emerald sod

Are the boys who've reached the arms of God.

Buried here in diginity

Endless rows for all to see.

Freedom's seeds in sorrow sown.

These blades of grass and pure white stones.

Today is Veteran's Day -- which was originally created to celebrate the end of the Great War -- on the 11th day of the 11th hour of the 11th month . . .it now honors Veteran's of all wars. Living or Dead.

The above are lyrics to a song "Blades of Grass and Pure White Stones" -- one of the writers of the song was Senator Orin Hatch and although it was written for Arlington National Cemetery (Cemetery No. 3), it really applies to any and all of the National Cemeteries.

It is Outdoor Wednesday and I can think of no greater place to be on this Wednesday, Veteran's Day, than in a National Cemetery at a program honoring our Veterans. That's where you'll find us. On this Hallowed Ground. At the 11th hour, of this 11th day of the 11th month.

I'm proud to be a great granddaughter of a Civil War veteran, the daughter of a WW I veteran and the wife of a 3 tour Viet Nam veteran.

Join Susan at A Southern Daydreamer and see what everyone else is doing Outside on this Wednesday.