Memorial Day is this Weekend

The Palmer Pioneer Cemetery is on the north side of the Old Glenn Highway, tucked beside a soccer field, airport, charter school, fast highway, and Matanuska River Park. Sounds of life come from all sides with kids playing, trucks passing, birds singing and occasional small aircraft buzzing low overhead. The graveyard is smack dab in the middle of all this busy but serene memorial oasis.

Graves and Markers Show Unique Care—There is a unique flavor and signature about each plot which makes the cemetery even richer with stories of loved ones who have passed— some of old age and some of sad, young stories. Personalization of the individual graves is seen in added objects—a set of wrenches, a beer bottle, a doll stroller, fresh fruit, a plate of rice, a toy truck, a football T-shirt, an airplane prop and a candle. In addition to about 3000 marked and unmarked graves, there is both an old and newer, black granite memorial wall recounting names of families and individuals.

Unspoken Pride—Some people say that any town is judged by the continuing condition of their cemetery, their library, their sidewalks and their fire station. In this case, Palmer scores high marks. It’s important to add that this 7 acre cemetery is run by a dedicated nonprofit group but is fully supported by the city and community.

The Place to Be—On Memorial Day the cemetery is busy and popular. Fresh flowers and fresh flags will stand at attention on Memorial Day. The annual placement of crosses and flags is usually the annual work of Palmer’s American Legion Auxiliary Post 15. Historically the organization dedicates three-stop wreath ceremonies, including an Air Force wreath dropped from a plane, a bio-degradable wreath placed in the Matanuska River (Navy and Coast Guard) and placement of an Army wreath at the infantry memorial at the Butte Cemetery.

Visit Anytime—I often visit this cemetery. I have watched folks plant small shrubs and trees. They groom their family gravesites and often the neighbor’s plot as well. People lug water jugs from their cars to keep the flower boxes in good shape. It is a sacred place anytime.

Remembrance and Community Care—The Palmer Pioneer Cemetery has a recognizable Palmer flavor which means the wind will blow, the mountains will stand steady and people will wave at each other as they honor the dead.

Lots Going On in Our Palmer Summer—This Friday is the Friday Fling at the Pavilion. This weekend is also the big Rodeo at the fairgrounds. Everyday new flowers are popping out at the Palmer Garden, beside the Museum. This is such a wonderful time to live in our Valley. Stay Safe. And remember to always look out for the smaller ones—the children, the pets, and the bikes.

Barbara Hunt is both Palmer writer and artist. She works hard to keep the robust pulse of Palmer, Alaska. She shares the good stuff on the weekly Palmer Alaska Buzz in the Mat Su Valley Frontiersman and daily on the Palmer Alaska Buzz Facebook Group. Email bhunt@mtaonline.net or text at 907.315.3222