13 New Confederate Headstones Dedicated at Shockoe Hill Cemetery

Via Susan

Adopt A Soldier Program of Shockoe Hill Cemetery:  Setting the standard in honoring the fallen

I had the honor today of attending and participating in the Fall Marker Dedication Ceremony at Shockoe Hill Cemetery. The oldest city owned cemetery in Richmond, Shockoe Hill Cemetery is the final resting place of veterans from every conflict from the War of 1812 through the Vietnam War.  In 2014, the Friends of Shockoe Hill Cemetery kicked off the “Adopt a Soldier” program, seeking donations to obtain and install headstones for the veterans’ graves that are unmarked, including an estimated 200 Confederate soldiers.

Since 2014, 38 veterans’ graves have been marked, including 27 in 2016 alone!  Clayton Shepherd, President of the Friends of Shockoe Hill Cemetery reported that the record 27 graves marked this year represented an almost 50% increase over their goal, for the year, which was set at 16.

The ceremony today was held to dedicate 15 new markers…

2 for veterans of the War of 1812, and 13 Confederate Veterans: