Resting Place

It was a glorious day, even in this solemn location. The weather was perfect, and we drove down to Point Loma to hike the trail along the cliff for some exercise. On a clear day like today you can see into Mexico. It was exhilarating just to be outside in the sunshine and fresh air. The hike takes under an hour, winding along some cliffs above the entrance to San Diego Harbor. The water was dotted with boats of all types, and a sailboat race was in progress just outside the harbor entrance area. The weather brought loads of people out to take in the views, many with cameras in hand. For me, today's problem was narrowing down my choice for a blip photo.

As is often the case, the first photo I took was my favorite. This view faces west toward the Pacific Ocean, a ship out at sea, and a multitude of military graves laid out in seemingly endless orderly lines. This touching sight gives one pause for reflection on the lives lost defending our country.

Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery has served as a burial site for veterans since 1845, and is projected to run out of space for cremated ashes in the early part of this year. There has been no room for new casket sites there for decades. A new cemetery is in progress at Miramar Air Station, which will have space for 161,000 burials. A sobering thought.