Bay Pines National Cemetery

On Memorial Day a visit to our local Bay Pines National Cemetery seemed appropriate.  Bay Pines is on the grounds of the Veterans Hospital and has approximately 27,000 veteran and family internments.    

At the entrance is the memorial to all branches of the military.  Besides a plaque and flag for the branches there is also a sundial.

"Time will not dim the memory of a grateful nation for those who sacrificed so much to keep our country free."

Marine Corps

Air Force

Coast Guard

Navy

Army

Unlike more traditional cemeteries, Bay Pines was redesigned a few years ago and the original marble markers have been imbedded flat into the ground.  I'll leave it up to others to determine which is best for the visitors or more convenient for the groundskeepers.

Casketed remains have ceased here, but ashes are still accepted. 

This one stopped me due to the laughing part.  I guess that's pretty damn important.

Even the long buried are remembered by someone.

Same with this one.  70 years gone by and still a family remembers.

I would have liked to have found out what was here for her.  But I left her in peace and with her memories.