Service to the Armed Forces volunteers continued the tradition of American Red Cross founder Clara Barton by placing flags on the graves of military veterans at two local cemeteries to commemorate Memorial Day. After the Civil War, Barton led the effort to mark graves of 13,000 fallen soldiers at Andersonville, Georgia. Photos from the two events are included below.
The Woodlands, Philadelphia
The first flag placing event was held on May 6 at the Woodlands Cemetery in Philadelphia. Established in 1840 as a Victorian Cemetery and Arboretum, the Woodlands was designated a National Historic Landmark District in recognition of its unique history and rich resources.. This gem of Philadelphia Parks is hidden near the VA Hospital in University City. Veterans interned here served our country in conflicts since the Civil War.
Photos by James Jones and Maxine Mayer. View the full album on Flickr.
Lower Merion Baptist Church, Bryn Mawr
Next, on May 20, volunteers placed flags on the graves of approximately 270 veterans at the Lower Merion Baptist Church Cemetery in Bryn Mawr. According to the church’s website, the cemetery opened in 1811 and includes the graves of 19 Continental Army soldiers, 16 veterans of the War of 1812 and 28 Civil War veterans. A full list of the more than 3,000 people buried at the cemetery is available from the Lower Merion Historical Society.
Photos by Frances Schwabenland and Erica Paulson. View the full album on Flickr.
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