Proposed Bipartisan Legislation to Change the VA Policy on Veteran Headstones

Grave of Civil War Veteran Jesse Flinn in Pleasant Ridge Cemetery

Jim Dempsey forwarded this article to me for possible inclusion in the blog. Since it is an article that discusses a bill with bipartisan support, I have included it in this blog. If you have an ancestor who served in the military and was buried without a headstone, this new policy may allow the Veterans' Administration to supply a headstone.The Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County confronted this issue a couple of years ago. They wanted to honor seven African-American Civil War Veterans buried in the Wesleyan Cemetery without a headstone. In some cases, they could not locate a descendant, making them ineligible to receive one according to the VA rules in place at the time. So it is with great excitement that I share this link.

Thank you, Jim, for the good news.

Legislation to Provide Headstones to All Veterans

Submitted by Kathy Reed

Spring Grove Cemetery Tram Tour

Photo Credit: Spring Grove Cemetery Website

On Saturday, September 6th at 1:00 PM, 24 lucky members of the Hamilton County Genealogical Society will have the opportunity to take a tram tour of Spring Grove Cemetery. The tour will be led by two docents who will discuss "Women of the Grove" and "Iconography." (Note: Iconography is the study of the symbols found on grave markers). The tour will last approximately one hour.

Unfortunately, only the first 24 people who make a reservation will be able to attend. Should there be more members interested in attending, every effort will be made to schedule a second tour at a later date. Please notify Kathy Reed by email at khreed@cinci.rr.com and with the words "Spring Grove" in the subject line. By return email, you will receive confirmation of your eligibility to attend the tour. A waiting list will be maintained if necessary. Participants are asked to meet at the Welcome Center near the cemetery entrance. There is no cost to members.

Questions? The best way to contact me is through email. You may also call me at 513-295-1970.
Click to Access Directions

                                                                              Photo Credit: Kathy Reed

Note: This tour is FULL. If you are interested, please ask to be put on the Waiting List. If another tour can be arranged, you will be contacted.

Submitted by Kathy Reed