Photographs of the Rostrum in Marietta National Cemetery

The Rostrum at Marietta National Cemetery in Marietta, Georgia, is a very special place. A Rostrum is a raised speakers' platform that is used for special events and commemorative ceremonies. This one was built in 1940 and is used for Memorial Day commemorations.

The Rostrum in Marietta National Cemetery in Marietta, Georgia

As a photographer, I like the way that the ceiling of the structure seems to reflect light downward and all around the building in certain lighting conditions. It does give a spiritual aura and a sense of higher light. While this Rostrum has replaced prior structures in the cemetery, I think it is a fitting architectural statement and the perfect place to commemorate the veterans buried in the cemetery.

The Rostrum at Marietta National Cemetery

The gate to the cemetery is inscribed with the words:  "Here rest the remains of 10,312 Officers and Soldiers who died in defense of the Union 1861 - 1865." The cemetery is full. While the remains of some more recent veterans are buried in the cemetery, the vast majority of those buried are casualties of the Civil War. When people toss around terms like civil war in contemporary politics, these graves should give us all pause. 

Happy Holidays!

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays everyone!  Here is a quick shot of the Christmas Tree at the Marietta Town Square here in Georgia.

It's nice when a city gets into Christmas Lights through and through.  Here is the Christmas tree in my office park.

I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas and a happy holiday season!

Film Photos: Marietta Confederate Cemetery

We're moving back to Georgia.  During the transition, posts here will be spotty.  But, I'll be able to take pictures like these in Marietta's Confederate Cemetery.  As a beginning photographer, these were all taken with my Canon EOS Elan 7E 35mm film camera with auto settings.

As a photographer, I like to compose shots well using balance and symmetry as shown in the arched monument above.  I also like to use leading lines as shown in the orderly rows of graves below.

The names of many Confederate soldiers are lost to time

The cemetery is a peaceful place where the din of guns and the pain of the wounded and dying are long behind the occupants of the more than 3000 graves.  You can read more about Marietta Confederate Cemetery at this City of Marietta page.

This Little Cannon - A Bronze 6-pounder Howitzer

This is a shot of the six-pounder bronze howitzer on the grounds of the Confederate Cemetery in Marietta. Known as the Little Cannon, you can find more information about it on the Historical Marker Database.