Yesterday was a day of discovery. We set out to attend and photograph the wreath laying ceremony at Ft. Bayard National Cemetery , just a short distance from Silver City. The program there was moving, to say the least, with tributes to fallen and injured soldiers from all branches of the military service. The mild weather, blue skies and colorful jackets and Christmas wreaths made the photography a bonus. Beautiful music was provided by a local chorus group. They appropriately call themselves The Hi Lo Silvers. After the program we decided to spend sometime exploring the grounds of Ft. Bayard. What a beautiful setting! To me it had some of the same "feeling" as the well known Ghost Ranch retreat center. The many buildings are old, but appear well maintained for their age. Complete restoration of the complex was a vision that hangs there in my mind. As it has recently been vacated by a large health facility, it appears from what we have read that there are plans for future development, while preserving the historical nature of the area. The stately row of large two-story houses reminded me of southern influence. I think that Rhet Butler would be comfortable on the upper porches! Anyway, it was a treat to browse and enjoy the grounds. I am sharing a few of my favorite photos from the morning. This treasure has a beauty as it stands, but restoration and future uses could make it so very much more. sf
2 comments:
These photos are wonderful! Dan and I both love Silver City but didn't realize there was a national cemetary around there (but we haven't been that way IN YEARS and probably the last time we were there we weren't "into" the battlefields and cemetary seeking like we are now).
We had heard of Ft. Bayard, but yesterday was the first time we had been there and we were fascinated. It is also been designated as a National Historical Site but it was established in 1866. There is a preservation and development plan in the works for it. The cemetery is so interesting. There is even a separate area with Tombstones for military personnel that were buried at sea or those who are missing in action. If you look on Tom's facebook page, he has a lot of the pictures of the cemetary posted. So interesting and the place has such potential!
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