Cemetary worker is deeply touched to see a fawn curled up on a very special headstone
Military cemeteries are a quiet, melancholy place that always seems to weigh down on our souls at the loss of the countless men and women’s lives in the armed services. Spouses, relatives, friends, siblings, parents, and children that were not fortunate enough to return to their homes alive. They are all put to rest with honor and respect—ensuring that their memories, names, and deeds will go on.
But the sad truth is that we cannot know all the names of all those who passed.
The Andersonville Historic Site in Georgia goes back to the U.S. Civil War; it used to be the site of Camp Sumter, one of the largest Confederacy military prisons. Of the 45,000 union soldiers imprisoned there, 13,000 lost their lives from the horrible conditions in 14 months. In July 1865, the official cemetery was established.
The cemetery is still in use today, with about 150 burials annually.
Many of the graves also belong to unknown soldiers; whose identities are unknown, yet their remains are still given due dignity. Those who lost a loved one in the services, or has respect for American history, can often find themselves there and pay respects and reflect on the past.
And as it turns out, not everyone who visits the site is human.
Because of its historical significance and respectful nature, the cemeteries must be appropriately maintained and cared for. The tombstones must be cleaned, the grass trimmed, and the gravesite properly adorned with proper memorabilia.
One maintenance worker found something at one grave while on the job, and it pulled at his heartstrings.
Park Maintenance Supervisor, James Taylor, came across a grave belonging to an unidentified soldier in May 2020. It was a humble gravesite with a white tombstone, a tiny American flag planted close by, and an adorable baby fawn curled up in the grass. Taken aback by an obscene level of cuteness, Taylor took a photo of the baby deer and posted it on the site’s Facebook page.
The photo exploded in popularity, with many praises towards the deer for being patriotic.
The fawn’s mother was foraging for food while it rested; as it turns out, deers leave the young behind only for a little bit to find food, according to wildlife experts. Later in the day, the mother deer was seen by staff leaving with her young. At least it wasn’t abandoned. Experts also say that if a fawn is seen by itself, it doesn’t mean it needs any help. Many times, it’s best to leave nature to its own devices.
View this post on Instagram
Whatever the meaning may be, the fawn’s choice of location demonstrates one thing: that life, even in the face of tragedy and tremendous loss, goes on.
There is a beautiful innocence to nature, constantly growing and nurturing, even through pain and suffering. Like the nation after the civil war, the land has healed, and wildlife thrives.
Also, would you please SHARE this with your friends and family?
Source: Fox News, Facebook, Wildlife Center of Virginia, Instagram