When enlisting into the military men and women understand they are putting their lives on the line. Some are lucky enough to tell survival stories, while others become unforgettable heroes passing away in battle. Families who have to bury their loved ones go through a great deal of pain as well as a relief knowing their brave soldier died a hero.

Honorable Mention

During the Civil War, it was difficult to keep track of soldiers who passed away in battle or in prison camps. When this happened their gravestones were inscribed as ‘Unknown U.S. Soldier’ leaving the mystery of who exactly is beneath that headstone?

The Unknown

Cemetery groundskeepers scope out the land to keep the grass looking nice and also to watch for anyone who would vandalize or deface a headstone. One normal day, at Andersonville National Historic Site, a groundskeeper named James Taylor, was touring the cemetery as per usual. When Taylor found a heartwarming sight of a baby deer curled up next to one of the headstones cozy as can be.

Paying Sleepy Respects

Then he noticed the fawn was lying against the headstone of an ‘Unknown U.S. Soldier’ with a small American flag beside, paying respects to the fallen soldier. The fawn napped peacefully beside the unknown soldier like the deer knew he needed some company. It’s not every day that you see a fawn resting against a gravestone, so he snapped a picture of the sleepy fawn. Taylor left the napping fawn, and staff later saw the fawn’s mom come back to get her sleeping baby.

Was This Fate?

While some could say this baby deer just found any old spot to rest for the afternoon, others would say it was a beautiful phenomenon. This forgotten soldier wasn’t able to get visits from family or friends until this fawn showed up to lay right beside the ‘Unknown Soldier’. Maybe it’s even the soldier himself reincarnated as a baby deer!? While many could say all sorts of things, one thing is for certain and that’s how sweet this fawn is all cuddled up next to this mystery soldier.

Oh Deer

The Andersonville National Historic Site has deep historical roots. During the Civil War in 1861-1865, it was originally the location of Camp Sumpter, one of the largest military prisons of the Confederacy. It is said that in just 14 months, the prison held over 45,000 captured Union soldiers and over 13,000 of them died. The Andersonville Cemetery was established in 1865 and continues to be an active cemetery.

Picture Perfect

The Andersonville National Historic Site posted a photo of the sleeping fawn on Facebook and got over 2 thousand likes and over 3 thousand shares. This baby fawn is capturing our hearts left and right. Wildlife experts also chimed in saying it is common for parents to leave their fawn to forage for food.

Nature’s Love

They reunite after a few days so they don’t get tracked by predators together. Thankfully Taylor left the napping fawn alone and didn’t just assume she was abandoned. This darling fawn just wanted to pay her respects to the unknown U.S. soldier which she did so kindly.

https://www.facebook.com/AndersonvilleNPS/photos/a.544378082283580/2935782219809809/?type=3

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Source: Animal Channel Co, Fox 5 Atlanta, NPS.gov, The Animal Club