fort mcpherson national cemetery

Fort McPherson National Cemetery in Maxwell, Neb., is the final resting place for veterans from the Indian Wars of the 1800s to the recent American military conflicts.The original fort was built in 1863 to help provide protection as pioneers moved west along the Mormon and Oregon trails. Soldiers also protected railroad workers from Native American hostilities.The cemetery is located a little northwest from the original fort. The cemetery is home to four Medal of Honor winners – three for the Indian Wars and one for Vietnam.The cemetery is the only one of its kind in Nebraska. There are plans to add one in Sarpy County, near Omaha.The grave markers have been realigned so they meet the military tradition of conformity. They line up in perfect lines – straight on and at angles.Some gravesites were group burials. One site consisted of the remains of a World War II team. The names were known, but the remains weren’t separated. They were interred together with their names on the marker as a team.The cemetery was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2012.This is the second military cemetery I’ve visited. My first visit was at the American Military Cemetery in Manila, Philippines. I have a visit to Arlington Cemetery near Washington, DC, high on my list.I am always impressed with the way we honor our veterans and military. The Fort McPherson National Cemetery stands among the finest tributes in the land. The men and women who rest here are well taken care. The grounds were nearly immaculate. A grounds crew was working during our visit.Fort McPherson cemetery is a nice place to visit and pay your respects to the warriors resting there.

Fort McPherson was established in 1863 to provide protection for settlers, railroad builders and travelers along the Oregon Trail. As western settlement progressed, the need for soldiers declined and Fort McPherson took on a new role of importance. In 1873, the National Cemetery was established on a 107 acre tract to provide for the burial of all honorably discharged Union veterans of the Civil War. The original national cemeteries located near the Civil War battlefields became full, new cemeteries became necessary in diverse areas as veterans migrated to different parts of the country. Many veterans of the Indian Wars, such as the Grattan Massacre of 1854 and the Wounded Knee massacre of 1890 are buried here. Spotted Horse, a Pawnee Indian scout for the US Army is buried here. Veterans from all American wars, Civil War through Viet Nam, including four Medal of Honor winners are buried here.The majority of graves are marked with the classical "General" type tombstone, like those in Arlington National Cemetery. In true military fashion, the tombstones are arranged in perfect lines, horizontally, vertically and diagonally. The cemetery is truly hallowed ground, a national shrine to honor patriotic Americans who answered the nation's call to arms and gave the ultimate sacrifice for our enduring freedom.