Memorial Day, May 31, 2010: More than 60 people attended the dedication of the memorial grove at Prospect Hill Cemetery, The dedication followed the Memorial Day service at the cemetery.
Carol Holler, president of the cemetery’s board of trustees (below l), said the grove was a dream come true and thanked District I for its contribution and work. Rudy Becker, the cemetery representative on the project committee (below r) gave an overview of the history of the memorial grove project.
District I Director David Healy addressed the gathering. He thanked the District I clubs for the donations and work on the project and entrusted the grove to the care of the cemetery.
The Washington Sängerbund performed Wanderers Nacthlied, a poem by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe set to music by Franz Schubert. This poem has been called the most famous lyric poem in German literature.
Here, the Sängerbund rehearses before the ceremonies:Charmane Truesdell, Carol Holler and David Healy cut the ribbon held by Gerhard Meinzer (l) and Rudy Becker:
Pastor Bodo Schwabe of The United Church gave the blessing. Project Manager Charmane Truesdell took a bow.
The Blessing:
The angel statue on its secure base and a dedication arrangement by project committee member Christine Hambach:
--photos by Bill Dean
Pastor Bodo Schwabe of The United Church gave the blessing. Project Manager Charmane Truesdell took a bow.
The Blessing:
- Do not stand at my grave and weep;
- I am not there. I do not sleep.
- I am a thousand winds that blow.
- I am the diamond glints on snow.
- I am the sunlight on ripened grain.
- I am the gentle autumn rain.
- When you awaken in the morning's hush
- I am the swift uplifting rush
- Of quiet birds in circled flight.
- I am the soft stars that shine at night.
- Do not stand at my grave and cry;
- I am not there. I did not die.
The angel statue on its secure base and a dedication arrangement by project committee member Christine Hambach:
--photos by Bill Dean
