Monthly Archives: November 2013

Southern War Memorials

Posted on November 28, 2013 by gravelyspeaking

Throughout the South, war memorials were erected to honor the Confederate war dead.  Just as in the North, commemorative statues, often of a soldier perched on a pedestal, give voice to the loss and sorrow felt in the country after … Continue reading →

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The Civil War

Posted on November 27, 2013 by gravelyspeaking

Many memorials and commemorative statues were erected to honor the Civil War dead in cemeteries and town squares across America.  These statues most often include the statue of a soldier perched on a pedestal, often with the war dead buried … Continue reading →

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The Eternal Flame

Posted on November 25, 2013 by gravelyspeaking

50 years ago today, Jacqueline Kennedy lit the eternal flame marking the grave of the fallen president, John F. Kennedy, who lies buried in Arlington National Cemetery.  The flame was requested by Mrs. Kennedy who was inspired by several sources including … Continue reading →

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Caboose Re-do

Posted on November 22, 2013 by gravelyspeaking

When I first wrote about Charles Witting’s gravestone, I had not seen his name or inscription on his gravestone.  It is faint and faded and completely slipped by me.  But a reader, Athyna, wrote to me to tell me that … Continue reading →

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Descending Dove

Posted on November 14, 2013 by gravelyspeaking

Through the hazy blue dim light of the interior of a mausoleum the dove carrying an olive sprig appears in the stained-glass window. Many symbols found on gravestones have multiple meanings. The dove is one of those.  Several references in … Continue reading →

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The Easter Lily

Posted on November 12, 2013 by gravelyspeaking

The lily, as a funerary symbol, has many meanings including purity, innocence, virginity, heavenly bliss, majestic beauty, and Christ’s resurrection.  Christians believe that the trumpet-shaped blossoms announce the Resurrection of Jesus Christ. As pictured in the stained-glass window above in … Continue reading →

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Calla Lily in Glass

Posted on November 9, 2013 by gravelyspeaking

The stained glass window in this Crown Hill Cemetery mausoleum at Indianapolis features a single white calla lily in full blossom surrounded by three stems with buds. The calla lily is a stunner with its long slender stem, brilliant white flowers, and … Continue reading →

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The Queen of Mean

Posted on November 7, 2013 by gravelyspeaking

Harry B. Helmsley March 4, 1909 – January 4, 1997 Leona Mindy Roberts Helmsley July 4, 1920 – August 20, 2007 Harry and Leona Helmsley were a New York power couple who owned real estate and hotels throughout the city.  … Continue reading →

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Angels of Glass

Posted on November 5, 2013 by gravelyspeaking

In this stained-glass window in the E.B. Cones and E.L. Patrick Mausoleum in the Crown Hill Cemetery at Indianapolis, Indiana, an array of cherubim–angels–are depicted.  Cherubim are one of nine orders or choirs of angels which are organized into three … Continue reading →

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The Angel and the Horn

Posted on November 3, 2013 by gravelyspeaking

  Many mausoleums are embellished with ornate stained-glass windows.   The angel featured in this window is carrying a horn with one hand and pointing upward with the other.  The angel uses the horn to announce the coming resurrection.  The other hand is … Continue reading →

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