Sadly, for some men and women, serving in the military means never coming home alive.
These brave individuals fight for our country’s freedom at all cost. For the families who’ve had to lay their loved ones to rest, it’s heartbreaking.
For a few fortunate ones, something happens that gives them a sense of peace. It’s like they receive a sign from the individual who passed away.
Perhaps a specific type of bird or a butterfly lands on the grave while visiting it. But what about grave sites where unknown soldiers are laid to rest?
The unknown soldier
At one cemetery in Georgia, a soldier is buried. Since no one knows who he was, his headstone remains void except for the words “unknown U.S. soldier”. If at some point he’s identified, his name, birth date, and other information will be added.
A heartwarming sight
While going about his business at this cemetery, the maintenance supervisor, James Taylor, had a rare opportunity to see something that tugged at his heartstrings.
Although this could’ve involved any one of the gravesites, it was the one belonging to the unknown soldier.
Quietly sleeping
There, all curled up at the base of this soldier’s headstone was a tiny fawn.
With the American flag nearby, it created a sense of patriotism.
Taylor was so touched that he shared the photo he took with the Andersonville National Historic Site.
Coincidence or not?
The way the fawn laid by the unknown soldier’s headstone…it was as if she knew he needed to be comforted.
Although we’ll never know what drew her there, she was content to stay. So, Taylor left her alone.
Time to say goodbye
Taylor explained that later in the day when he headed back to that part of the cemetery, he saw the fawn’s mother come to retrieve her baby.
Slowly, they walked away together.
Paying her respect
Although no one knows why this fawn chose to rest beside the headstone of the unknown soldier, everyone seems to agree that she was there to show special respect.
In her way, she was honoring a man who fought but lost. After all, animals have a keen sense that humans don’t possess.
An incredible site
The Andersonville National Historic Site has roots that go back to the Civil War. At one time, it was the location of Camp Sumter, one of the largest military prisons for the Confederacy.
For roughly 14 months, that prison held over 45,000 captured Union soldiers. During that time, some 13,000 died.
Still an active cemetery
While the Andersonville National Cemetery was established in 1865, it’s still operational.
Today, it handles about 150 burials annually.
A normal routine
As for the fawn, wildlife experts claim that when still young, does allow their babies to wander off a bit to learn to forage for food.
They added it was especially common at the time of year when the photo was taken.
Differing opinions
While these professionals are probably right, some people feel there’s more to the story.
Foraging for food is one thing but curling up to the headstone of an unknown soldier is something completely different…at least in their minds.
Whether there’s more going on or not, it’s a beautiful symbol of honor and respect.
Of course, if you ever come across a wild animal, even a fawn, you should never approach it. Instead, enjoy its beauty from a distance.
What an increibly touching moment to capture on film!
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Source: Fox 5 Atlanta, Facebook
