Coincidence???
Uploaded: April 09, 2013
Sometimes you just have to wonder.
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Yesterday Bill and I were running errands around Philadelphia, but the weather was so perfect that we were also looking for some photo ops outdoors.
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Something made Bill drive into the Philadelphia National Cemetery (military graves from Civil War era, mostly). He had seen scaffolding around the two major monuments in the cemetery, and we stopped to chat with the two stone conservators that were working on restoring the monuments.
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Then I wanted to walk around and get some shots of the beautiful grounds. Almost 12,000 souls are interned and nearly all the stones are identical in size and shape.
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We were drawn to an area where there were a few larger stones. Please see the discussion area for the "rest of the story."
Exif: F Number: 5.6, Exposure Bias Value: 0.00, ExposureTime: 1/250 seconds, Flash: did not fire, compulsory flash mode, ISO: 100, White balance: Auto white balance, FocalLength: 39.00 mm, Model: Canon EOS 5D Mark III
Michelle Alton April 09, 2013
This was a special section for officers and two of the graves with large stones were those of Medal of Honor recipients. It appeared that the five graves with larger stones had been relocated here from other cemeteries.Michelle Alton April 09, 2013
Monnie Ryan4/9/2013 5:52:44 AM #10646746
Michelle Alton April 09, 2013
I found some bad wording in my comment and couldn't stand to leave it that way. So I deleted the photo and started over. Susan Williams' message was lost, but here it is reproduced: Susan Williams
BetterPhoto Member
Contact Susan
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member since: 6/11/2004
I am very taken with your story and the image, Michelle. Thank you for the extra effort to share it. The stone bears the inscription, "Rest, Brother, Rest." So very touching, and what a gift to Bill that day.
4/9/2013 6:44:19 AM #10646769
Kathryn Wesserling April 09, 2013
This is what draws me to cemeteries... each grave site is someone's story. Thank you for sharing this one with us. As for Bill's following an unknown "string" to this spot - I've often turned around to return, urged on by a feeling that there was a hand guiding me there. #10646793Cynthia M. Wiles April 09, 2013
This is a wonderful story Michelle! Hopefully this photo will live on, as the gravestone, in family history.Tiia Vissak April 09, 2013
this is very interesting indeed! #10646882Dave Bell April 09, 2013
I always enjoy your descriptions and write ups with regard to your pictures Michelle, this is one most interesting sequence of events. #10647081Terry Cervi April 09, 2013
What an interesting and rewarding trip for you and Bill, Michelle! I enjoyed reading about your day and the wonderful shot you took of your find. #10647504Jeffrey R. Bange April 09, 2013
I think it was definitely fate that brought you to the cemetery that day and led Bill to that particular monument. Thank you Michelle for sharing your wonderful story with us. #10647604Patrick Rouzes April 09, 2013
Totally fascinating story , Michelle. I believe something enticed Bill to this spot. Always a pleasure, my friend.Joyce S. Court April 10, 2013
What a fabulous find! No coincidence that Bill found that headstone among almost 12,000. Stories are what make the photos so compelling.#10648016
Cathy A. Rose April 10, 2013
Awesome story Michelle... Thanks for sharing!! Great picture!! #10648322John Connolly April 10, 2013
An incredible find and story Michelle! Well done! #10648366Emile Abbott April 11, 2013
Awesome story and no coincidence. Destiny and fate for sure. #10649431Deborah Lewinson April 11, 2013
Great picture and amazing story, Michelle!Is this chapter one in your book?
Seriously , I hope you write one, you've got so much unusual and interesting material!
Debby #10649668
Ray Thoms April 12, 2013
A great capture Michelle! #10650984Jill Odice April 13, 2013
Wow, what a story! It gave me goosebumps!It was meant to be that you two ended up there ! #10652170Kirsten Kiki Kjaer April 14, 2013
"Coincidence is God's way of staying anonymous!" Quote: Bernie Siegel.Jean-Pierre Ducondi April 15, 2013
Wow, an amazing story and capture Michelle. Thank you.Lindley Johnson April 22, 2013
What an interesting story, Michelle! #10663212Gord MacEachern April 24, 2013
Haven't been posting quite as much lately, and haven't been into your gallery lately, always a treat by the way. Just an amazing story and wonderful images. Your gallery is amazing!! #10665589Sign up for an interactive online photography course to get critiques on your photos.
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