Powhatan Cemetery

It’s Memorial Day weekend, the unofficial start of the summer season. It’s time to brush off the patio furniture, clean the barbecue grill and wonder if last year’s swimsuit will fit.

Seriously, while many will enjoy picnics and other fun events, including the Ogden Newspapers Wellness Weekend presented by WVU Medicine, there will be time set aside in many communities for more somber observances to mark the original meaning of Memorial Day.

A quick history lesson reminds us that Memorial Day was first initiated as Decoration Day, a day set aside to remember and honor those who died during the Civil War. Today, Memorial Day is observed as a day of remembrance for all U.S. military troops who gave the ultimate sacrifice. Some families make it a tradition to visit the graves of relatives on this day, regardless of military status.

Americans are asked to pause for one minute of silent reflection at 3 p.m. Monday. Parades and flag waving are also commonplace events on Memorial Day. Cemetery visits are encouraged where flags can be added to veterans’ graves. 

While thousands of veterans are buried throughout Ohio Valley cemeteries, the Powhatan Cemetery in Powhatan Point, Ohio, is one of the most well-cared for, manicured graveyards around. From all records I could find, the cemetery was established in 1888 and does indeed have graves of Civil War soldiers and just about every war since. 

It is the final resting place for more than 1,000 troops of various wars.

The wrought iron fence in front of the cemetery is lined with scores of American flags. Grave stones and monuments sit atop a well-trimmed and cared-for lawn. It is a fitting tribute to the families who choose to have their loved ones buried there. The cemetery is operated by a non-profit association with perpetual care and it should be a model for others to follow. 

While we set aside Memorial Day to honor and remember our fallen soldiers, the Powhatan Cemetery doesn’t need a special day to honor them. It does it every day.

In addition to veterans, the cemetery holds the remains of some of the 66 coal miners who were killed on July 5, 1944, at the Powhatan No. 1 Mine. Many of those men never made it out of the mine, while 124 escaped. They are remembered each year with a solemn observance.

But there are brighter days ahead. I see Memorial Day as a day of hope and new beginnings. We shed the winter and cold spring doldrums and embrace a sunnier future. Enjoy your weekend and all that the promise of summer will bring.

Heather Ziegler can be reached via email at hziegler@theintelligencer.net.