The Forgotten Soldiers of Camp Collins November 5, 2016

This day was very historical.  After 150 years, these forgotten soldiers are at last identified and remembered.  They all were buried at Camp Collins between 1863-1866. After excellent research by Brian Carroll they have now been identified and are listed on this memorial that was unveiled in Grandview Cemetery on November 5, 2016.

The project was the culmination of eight years of hard work by Friday's Council Tree Chapter, NSDAR.  This dedicated committee has photographed every headstone in Grandview Cemetery and in Roselawn Cemetery in Fort Collins, Colorado.  I well remember the day we were asked to undertake this project,and the enthusiastic approval by the small, newly organized chapter of sixteen members.  Now eight years later, and boasting sixty three members, the fruit of that commitment has been realized.  Yes, it grew far beyond the original vision, but what an accomplishment it is.

One of the identified forgotten soldiers was represented by a great great granddaughter in attendance. She and her husband traveled from Wisconsin to be here today.  A special spirit was in this cemetery today and I imagine these men cheering that they are finally remembered after so many years of being forgotten.

Adding to the excellent program was a high school group that does Civil War re-enactments.  The "Lobo Mess" of Rocky Mountain High School in Fort Collins posted the colors and contributed greatly to the events of the day.  A nice reminder of the good students in our world today.  Two young ladies that are part of "Lobo Mess" were dressed in colorful Civil War dresses. Thanks to them for participating and joining today's festivities.

Brian Carroll read the names of the newly identified soldiers and gave a short bio of each one.  At last the world knows who they are and what they were like.  Brian is scheduled to give a presentation about this research at the February 16, 2017 meeting of the Larimer County Genealogical Society.

All in all, it was a beautiful day, accentuated by perfect Colorado weather.  It was a gorgeous setting for showcasing a "job well done".  It was a perfect day to recognize the many different people and organizations that helped accomplish a long and difficult project.  It was a "feel good day" that shows the good in people everywhere, and we need a day like that once in awhile.

Thanks to all from me, for an inspiring and beautiful day.  Patj