This week we journey overseas to talk more about military cemeteries. We learn about the American Battle Monuments Commission (ABMC), a federal agency that manages America’s overseas cemeteries from World War I and World War II.
We talk about these cemeteries and how ABMC honors the services of overseas U.S. Armed Forces by maintaining and promoting America’s overseas commemorative cemeteries and memorials. You’ll also learn about how to visit them on your own pilgrimage to honor a loved one who fought for freedom long ago.
Maj General David Gillett shared about his visits to many of these cemeteries, including the one in Luxembourg. David shared that it is one of the best cemeteries to visit. The grounds are beautifully laid out with American soldiers of all ranks. General Patton’s grave is at this site. This cemetery has 5070 soldiers on 51 acres of land. Watch the video above to learn more. Visit the link below for listing of all cemeteries ABMC manages.
Reference:
Important facts about America’s Overseas Military Cemeteries (ABMC)
Related Content about Cemeteries and Military Honors:
- S2E39: Everything You Need to Know about an Autopsy (Gettysburg)
- S2E48: All About Cemeteries
- S3E11: Comfort and Honor (Arlington Ladies)
- S3E10: What are Military Funeral Honors?
Neptune Memorial Reef
David also shared about Neptune Memorial Cemetery, which we covered in another episode (S2E48: All About Cemeteries). He and Marianne – who are avid scuba divers – made a visit to this underwater cemetery and reported how fascinating it was. A few of their images are below.
Songs to Wake the Dead
Our ongoing series features original songs that could be played at a funeral, (one that is appropriate, one that is likely not). We invite singer/songwriters to submit work, and this Week’s artist is Magus Productions.
The first song, Walking in His Shoes by Georgie Rhein was created by Magus Productions to support musician Mark Jolly, who has Parkinson’s, and Bill Finley, who died of Parkinson’s last year. All proceeds from the sale of this song will go to the Parkinson’s Foundation.
Walking In His Shoes Georgie Rhein If you’re wondering why That man is moving so slow He’s in your way In the grocery store Why won’t he just get His things and move along If you’re thinking he’s lazy Well you’re oh so wrong It started slowly With shaky hands But even now at times He can barely stand Sometimes the pills work Other times they don’t You’ll never hear him complain He’s too proud to let you know that He’s living with problems That you can’t imagine Battling demons That you can’t understand So have a little patience He’s doing the best he can Just try walking in his shoes What the doctor told him Cut straight to his heart He knows there is no cure But he can’t just fall apart He’s trying real hard to live a normal life If you think that’s easy to do Just try walking in his shoes Always been an independent man Worked hard all his life He’s a family man He never imagined He’d have to live this way But with his family’s love and prayers He’s going to be okay No matter what you think No matter how tough No matter how you play your hand Life might call your bluff You know that time can catch up to you And you could find yourself Walking in his shoes …Just try walking in his shoes
The second song, which really makes a great song for a funeral is called “Heroes” is a song for everyone in service – soldiers, first responders, nurses, EMTs also by Georgie Rhein at Magus Productions.
HEROES lyrics by Georgie Rhein Listen to the stories ‘bout a lawman in our town He’s a legend ‘round these parts for bringing bad guys down. When we pay a tribute to our sheriff’s final fall We honor all those like him… for answering the call. Some heroes are a humble kind, wanna fight behind the lines. Like nurses and firemen who are busy saving lives. Others are loyal to a cause for the difference it makes Like fighting for our country….. and the courage it takes Heroes are just people, till life puts ‘em to the test To stand up in the face of fear for whatever’s coming next Heroes make a sacrifice and give it all their best I’ll sing this song for heroes…. We never will forget. The sun will rise and it will fall, yeah, life can be that way But, heroes just keep moving on, ready for another day. Like a fighter in his final round, we battle every day To overcome our fears, and keep our families safe My heroes are the working men in cities and small towns Doing what they have to do, and never standing down. Heroes are just people, till life puts ‘em to the test To stand up in the face of fear for whatever’s coming next Heroes make a sacrifice and give it all their best I’ll sing this song for heroes…. We never will forget.
Magus Productions is a recording studio working with independent artists to promote their original music: https://www.magusproductions.studio/
Do you have a couple of songs you would like to share? See the info at the bottom of the page for how Singers/Songwriters can submit entries for consideration.
Recipe of the Week
While we’re journeying overseas, why not stop over in Hawaii – or is it Canada? – for Hawaiian Pizza. Be sure you tune in for the story on how this unusual but tasty combination came to be! So what is your opinion – is it a heresy, or the best thing since sliced pie? Grab the recipe here, and feel like you’re enjoying luau dancing on a pizza pie!
Learn more:
https://blog.feedspot.com/palliative_care_podcasts/
As a songwriter, ‘Everyone Dies’ is inviting you to showcase your original work on an upcoming podcast.
There are many wonderful songs that could be played at a funeral. We also know there are songs that could be played, but are cringeworthy (e.g. Ding Dong the Witch is Dead; Another One Bites the Dust; Ring of Fire, etc.).
We are inviting you to send us a recording of two of your original songs (i.e. that could be played at a funeral, one that is appropriate, one that is likely not) to be included in the third half of the ‘Everyone Dies’ podcast. We will include as many artists over the next year (maybe longer if we are enjoying the segment) as possible.
What we need:
Go to this link, fill out the form and submit it along with your two original songs in .wav or .mp3 format (i.e. two original songs that could be played at a funeral, one that is appropriate, one that is likely not). We will screen them and let you know what week your work will be included. We will include all your information in our show notes so people can purchase your recordings.
From Everyone Dies:
Everyone Dies: and yes, it is normal!
Everyone Dies (and yes, it is normal) is a story about a young boy named Jax who finds something special on the beach where he and his grandpa Pops are enjoying a wonderful day. Pops helps Jax understand that death is a normal part of life. This book provides an age appropriate, non-scary, comfortable way to introduce the important topic of mortality to a preschool child. Its simple explanation will last a lifetime. Autographed copies for sale at: www.everyonediesthebook.com. Also available at Amazon
Mourning Jewelry
We offer a way to memorialize your loved one or treasured pet with a piece of handmade jewelry. When people comment on it and the wearer can say for example “I received this when my mother died” which opens the conversation about this loss. All our jewelry is made with semi-precious stones and beads, vintage beads, and pearls. You can choose between earrings or bracelets and the color family. Learn More
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