I grew up sitting at the knee of my grandmother who told stories of her mother living through the 47 day Seige and shelling of Vicksburg. Often on Sundays after church our family would go to the cemetery and check on several family plots. More fascinating family stories would be told about those who were resting there as we placed small bouquets of homegrown flowers or pulled weeds. And that is how I developed my great respect and love for those who have gone on before.

I grew up sitting at the knee of my grandmother who told stories of her mother living through the 47 day Seige and shelling of Vicksburg. Often on Sundays after church our family would go to the cemetery and check on several family plots. More fascinating family stories would be told about those who were resting there as we placed small bouquets of homegrown flowers or pulled weeds. And that is how I developed my great respect and love for those who have gone on before.