There is an old saying - that we die twice, once physically and then again, the last time someone says our name. I believe that saving pictures of memorial markers is a respectful way of "saying someone's name", ensuring they are not forgotten.

I have been researching my family and helping others with theirs for more than 45 years. Sometimes I need to get away from the computer, so I visit cemeteries and try to photograph/upload pictures for everyone missing a picture (and hopefully fulfill open requests). Since I travel often, I find myself all over the US (and occasionally overseas), but my home-base is west of Chicago.

If I have created a memorial for your family member and you would like me to transfer it to you, please send me a message noting the name, memorial ID # and your relationship to them.

When I take pictures, I try to capture both the design of the marker as well as the detailed information. Sometimes that means I add additional photos to existing memorials to show these features. I also try to clean off markers to get clearer pictures, but there are times it is too deteriorated or overgrown to improve it with the tools I have at hand that day. I hate to say it, but sometimes, "something is better than nothing". Feel free to use any pictures I have uploaded.

I have a special affinity for our veterans. My family has been in the Colonies/USA since the mid-1600's and have participated in every major (and some minor) military conflicts. I try to ensure that our heroes are remembered with a posting of their memorial marker. When possible, I try to visit our National Cemetery's and take as many photo's as I can to upload. When I am in private or local cemeteries, even if I am looking for others, I will stop to take pictures of local veterans to ensure they have been recorded.

I try to be as accurate as possible, but sometimes mistakes happen. Please send updates/corrections via the edit/suggestion function, I will be more than happy to make the correction.

A Passing Thought -

We came across your stone today; the weeds have overgrown;

The stone conveyed your name, your birth and the date you reached the Throne;

We put a picture on this site; legacy to what you've sewn;

To living and to babes unborn, your history will now be known.

Joseph Anthony

Thanks,

Steph