Shortly after Dad’s passing, Candy had informed us that she was contacted by the Veteran’s Administration regarding a burial spot for his cremains at Preston Veteran’s Cemetery. Since then we recently found out this would take place on September 10th, a day after what would have been his 84th birthday. So, I made the trip to Winona to be present and make sure that Candy was too, and what a fitting way to spend my time on our first birthday without him.
We weren’t sure exactly what would take place, but upon arriving we found out that we could only watch from the car during his interment. Which was okay since it was raining. Afterwards we were allowed to visit his grave site and I did so with the umbrella to say some more good-byes. I also took photos to use for our celebration of life in October.
It is a very nice facility and setting, including very compassionate workers. I am completely comforted with his eternal resting place on earth. It will also be a great excuse for taking the bike to such a beautiful area of Minnesota.
On our way there we came upon a Yamaha Racing transporter in Saratoga. So, of course, I had to take the same route back to stop and take a photo. Funny place to stumble upon one of these. Not sure if it was for road or dirt racing, but interesting enough all the same!
On Friday morning, September 11th, I ventured to Lake Park by their memorial tree where Lori and Candy had placed some of Dad’s and Candy’s brother-in-law, David’s, cremains the previous weekend. From there I walked around both lakes and made a stop by the 9-11 memorial next to the visitors center to pay some respect for those lost on this date in 2001. When I came back around, I noticed two firetrucks parked there and when I walked by there were a couple of firemen by the memorial, but no one else present. When I left after breakfast, I drove past the visitors center and they had the American flag placed at the end of their ladder over the road with a couple of firemen standing in front of their fire trucks waving to passers-by. Glad I decided to take that way out of town because the sight of this really warmed my heart.
As always, I had a very nice visit with Candy and so hard to leave her, especially now!
