More than a Cemetery: Laurel Hill

My son and I went on a Memorial Day jaunt to a cemetery----a national historic landmark along the Schuylkill River called Laurel Hill Cemetery.  We thought we were going to attend a ceremony at noon but the event must have been held on Saturday before Memorial Day.  Missing the ceremony did little to diminish the enjoyable time we had visiting on a glorious day. 

 

http://www.thelaurelhillcemetery.org/index.php?flash=1 

 

 

It is a sculptural garden on 78 acres of scenic land along the river.  No need to think solemn.  Think celebration of those that were buried, think art, think natural beauty.  I thought that I was going to find some old tombstones from the founders of the nation but really the cemetery was founded in 1836 so no notables like Ben Franklin or William Penn.  I guess the most recognizable name among those that were buried here is Harry Kalas but I am sure many more important historical figures were buried there.....for one, Civil War General George Gordon Meade.

 

 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harry_Kalas

 

 

 

 

Broken obelisks symbolize a life that was cut short.

Scenic views of the Schuylkill River from Laurel Hill:

 

The cemetery has events that help fund the maintenance of this beautiful landmark.  So this skeleton on a bike gives you a hint that not all events are solemn at this cemetery.  Concerts and ghostly tours have been held:

 

I found one Italian name:

Plenty of spots for perching:

The 700 pound  "Silent Sentry" watches over the graves of the civil war soldiers. Also there are nearly 20 generals from the Revolutionary War, War of 1812, Mexican War, World War I and World War II  buried here.

Found little red gem is not a true strawberry but it is an invasive mock or Indian strawberry.  Although it is edible it has little taste.

 

After our visit to Laurel Hill Cemetery we headed for Penns Landing.  There may have been an event that we missed but there were throngs of people taking boat tours, laying in hammocks, visiting food trucks, and roller skating. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Two skaters at the Penns Landing rink:

 

Delaware River with a view of the Camden Aquarium: