Several days ago
vandals destroyed over a dozen monuments and tombstones at the famed
Hollywood Cemetery in Richmond, Virginia.
Founded in 1847 the grounds are full of massive trees and gardens, designated as an arboretum and the graves are a rich history of national importance. Several Presidents and 18,000 Confederate listed men are buried here.
The setting itself of the cemetery is lovely. Towering trees dot the cemetery while resting below flowering gardens highlight the beautiful monuments. The flowing James River meanders around the base of the tiered hillside. I found it a very special, calm and quiet place for reflection. I have a real beef with people that think it's fun to desecrate the resting place of the dead. It's the lowest of low no matter your reasoning.
Many years ago, in another Virginia community, our family plot was desecrated by kids that thought it would be fun to turn over tombstones and smash them in half. Originally my family donated the land for the cemetery and therefore had the oldest monuments in the cemetery. It was such a loss historically. The markers have never been repaired.
The older monuments and markers that I found fascinating were more nature based. Angels, women with flowers, or the recurring strange tree stump monuments. The tombstone inscriptions are often fascinating and provide a snapshot of the period 100 - 150 years ago. It really is a must see if you are in Richmond. Spring will be lovely in the Cemetery.
This is a tragic loss and I hope the vandals will be found and punished but may be it brings renewed interest in history and hopefully greater protection will be provided for the grounds to deter criminals.
~ Rebecca
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