The significant word UNKNOWN

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The significant word UNKNOWN

Photos are from one section of the Unknown dead at Gettysburg National Cemetery. It is so sad to see all of the numbered squares which mark the unknown graves. It's so sad to think that each one of them represents someone's husband, father, brother, friend, etc and their loved ones never knew where they were, always hoping and wishing for them to come back.

Journaling says:
Only as a result of the Civil War did the United States government become involved with honoring the military dead by the creation of a system of national cemeteries. During the Civil War accurate accounting of the wounded and dead was nearly impossible and as a result nearly 40% of Union soldiers perished with only the name "unknown." Gettysburg National Cemetery is the final resting place for over 3,500 Union soldiers. Among them are 979 unknown soldiers whose graves are marked only by a small marble square and number. Identifying bodies during the Civil War were usually done by friends, comrades, or through personal effects found on the body, but often the name of the victim was still unknown. There are stories of soldiers who before battles would write their name on a piece of paper to be placed in their pocket as an attempt to make sure if they fell their name would not be lost. The casualty lists reported back home were highly inaccurate. Families were eager for any information about their loved ones, but many never learned where or how their loved ones perished. As Walt Whitman said the Civil War made the designation "unknown" significant.

Credits:
-Gray paper and stitches from Galatic Alliance by Britt-ish Designs
-Blue paper (recolored) from Enchantment by Britt-ish Designs
-White flowers from Itty Bitty by Britt-ish Designs and Erica Zane
-Blue flowers from Bunches of flowers by Britt-ish Designs
-Leaves from I'm Yours by Britt-ish Designs and DeCrow Designs
-Dove from Sunshine in my soul by Britt-ish Designs
-Stacked templates by Britt-ish Designs