Ivy Lawn Cemetery.

Ivy Lawn Cemetery is one of the most beautiful cemeteries I've
visited. Ivy Lawn is located in Ventura, California and is about 5
miles from my parents home.

This cemetery is situated by the 101 Freeway but is serene despite
the busyness that is associated with the high traffic volume. The
cemetery is also near the business park and railroad line but the noise
of those are shut out by the landscape found in the cemetery.

Each year on Veteran's Day and Memorial Day the city hosts a
event to remeber those that have served and died in our Armed
Forces. This Monday will be the Memorial Day ceremony and I
will attend along with my Father. The Memorial Day is one of the
most emotional events I've witnessed and is quite a time of remembering
those men and women who went into battle and died for the cause
of freedom.

I visited Arlington National Cemetery twice before and enjoy reading
the history of the cemtery. The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is
quite a sight to see and experience. The guards who stand the watch
(Walking the Mat) are keeing the silent vigil as I type and you read.

One of the most interesting facts about Arlington is that President John F.
Kennedy wished to be buried there. While President Kennedy was visiting
the cemetery months before he died, he told a close friend "I could stay
here forever."

I could say the same about Ivy Lawn of being buried there when I die.
Ivy Lawn is a special place and will always be a place to visit for
private reflection and public remeberance.