A Soldier's Gravestone

 

I spent at least part of Memorial Day weekend in one of my favorite places, the Albany Rural Cemetery.  It was a rewarding walk (despite ending up with my foot ankle-deep in the rotted stump of a tree).  Among the headstones found on this outing, a fallen Civil War soldier's marker high on the old North Ridge.  Though the name and dates are difficult to read, it is easy to recognize it as a Civil War soldier's resting place; the design includes a soldier's kepi-style cap and a shield overlapping a crossed sword and scabbard.

Memorial Day Motif

The Alfred E. Smith Building at Swan Street between Washington Avenue and State Street features a carved band with the names of every New York State county and figures engaged in various occupations from beekeeping to factory labor.  This figure in military clothing overlooks Washington Avenue and, in fact, seems to be keeping an intent look-out for today's Memorial Day Parade

Happy Memorial Day

Civil War reenactors marching down Washington Avenue during the 2010 Memorial Day Parade.