Serving in the military is one of the most honorable jobs in the world. Fighting to defend one’s country while being away from their loved ones, many military personnel make numerous sacrifices. Unfortunately, this job has its casualties. Many of these brave individuals lose their lives in battle, leaving their families bereaved with the consolation of knowing that they died fighting for their country’s freedom.

For a few fortunate soldiers, their bodies are brought back to their loved ones, identity intact. However, there are soldiers who die in battle without anyone knowing who they are. They are brought back to their country to be laid to rest as an unnamed corpse.

The unidentified soldier

At a historical cemetery in Georgia, a soldier is buried. No one knows who he was. His headstone remains almost empty. No name, birthdate, date of death nor epitaph are engraved on his headstone. Once the soldier is identified, these details shall be inscribed on his gravestone. But for now, all that can be read on his tablet are the words “unknown U.S. soldier.”

A touching sight

On one particular day, the unknown soldier’s gravesite caught the eye of the cemetery’s maintenance supervisor, James Taylor. While going about his customary rounds in the cemetery, he found something that could only be seen in that unknown soldier’s grave.

Sleeping beauty

Snuggled up at the base of this soldier’s headstone was an endearing-looking fawn. With the American flag beside the tombstone, it created an atmosphere of nationalism. James was so moved by the sight that he had to take a photograph. He shared the photo with the Andersonville National Historic Site.

Animal sensibility

Looking at the way the fawn is curled up at the unknown soldier’s gravestone, it was as if the fawn knew the soldier needed company. His lonely tombstone needed a visitor and his soul could use some comfort. Though we will never know why the fawn chose to stay in the unknown soldier’s grave, it was clear that she was content where she was. So James decided to leave the fawn alone.

Goodbye, unknown soldier

As James went back to the cemetery later that day, he saw the fawn’s mother. The mother was there to fetch her baby as if it was time for them to head home. Slowly, the mother and baby duo left the cemetery and walked away together.

Paying her humble respects

Though only the fawn knows why she chose to stay by that particular grave, everyone seems to agree that she was there to pay her respects to the noble unknown soldier. In her own humble way, she was giving tribute to a man that lost his life for his countrymen. This fawn shows us that animals, not just human beings, are capable of giving honor too.

A significant site

The Andersonville National Historic Site has its origins that date back to the Civil War. It houses Camp Sumter, one of the largest Confederate military prisons during the American Civil War. The site also houses the Andersonville National Cemetery as well as the National Prisoner of War Museum. This site is a living memorial to one of America’s remarkable turning points in history.

Still a functioning cemetery

Though the Andersonville National Cemetery was established way back in 1865, it is still in operations. It holds around 150 burials each year while the site has at least 100,000 visitors annually.

Expert opinion

Wildlife experts claim that mother deer allow their babies to wander off a bit to learn to search for food, an important survival skill especially as their young mature. They also said that this is particularly common during the time of year when James saw the fawn sleeping on the soldier’s headstone.

Differing viewpoints

Although these experts are most likely right, some people feel that this is more than just a deer wandering and napping in the cemetery. Looking for food is one thing but curling up to the headstone of an unknown soldier is a whole other story, at least in their perception.

Whatever the reason behind this may be, this is a heartwarming gesture of honor and respect given by a gentle animal to a fallen hero. However, if you ever come across a fawn or any other wild animal, it is highly advised not to approach it. Just enjoy its beauty and splendor from afar.

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Source: Fox 5 Atlanta, Facebook