A Moment to Pause and Remember . . .

Memorial Day is the federal holiday set aside each May to remember all the armed forces men and women who died while serving our country.  The Badger family was a very prominent Quincy family involved in the granite industry.  In August of 1862, Ezra Badger enlisted in the Civil war as a soldier in company D, 39th Massachusetts infantry regiment.  He was 64 years old!   At enlistment, he held the rank of wagoner, and mustered out 2 months later. 

Travel Tuesday: Pearl Harbor, Hawaii

It seems appropriate to follow Memorial Day with a post of the USS Arizona Memorial from a visit to Pearl Harbor.  The 60 mph winds that day cancelled my boat trip to the actual memorial site but I was very moved by this rainbow appearing over the Arizona after a passing shower.

Memorial Day Observed

Today is a United States federal holiday; we remember the men and women who died while serving their country.  Many Americans will visit cemeteries and place flags on the graves of those who have served us and passed on.

Life Saver

This ketch on Thompson Island is named after Joshua James who was a sea captain from Hull, and later in life a Lifesaving Station Keeper. He was a famous and celebrated commander of civilian life-saving crews in the 19th century, credited with saving over 600 lives in Boston Harbor and the surrounding seacoast.

Remembering

Today's post, from Mount Wollaston Cemetery, was taken in the quiet of the dawn, in honor of the soldiers who gave their lives for our country.

QFD

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The second Sunday in June is a day set aside in the United States to remember deceased firefighters. This is Quincy's Firefighter Memorial located in Quincy Cemetery, across from the Police Station. Firefighters are public servants in every sense of the word. The men and women who pursue this calling are compassionate and giving and put their lives on the line for us without notice. Thank you!

Flowers and Innocence

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Today is Memorial Day, a national holiday and a day for remembering those who have died in our nation's service.

Granite sculpture

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If you enlarge this image you will see the McDonnell family monument located in St. Mary's Cemetery. This impressive Corinthian-style sculpture stands 40 ft tall and is made of blue Quincy granite.

"Granite City"

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Quincy's granite industry was famous the world over. Over the next few days I will give you a glimpse into this fascinating industry that helped build this historic city.

I can think of no better place to begin then at the Stonecutter's Memorial Statue in West Quincy. It was the artistry and craftsmanship of those early stonecutters with their chisels and hammers in hand who made the term "Quincy Granite" synonymous with superior quality. The inscription at the base of the statue erected in 1994, reads: "In Grateful Memory of Quincy's Granite Workers Whose Talents And Dedication Have Been Recognized Throughout The World."