Weekly Gem #86 A fitting resting place for a "Citizen Soldier, Flight 93"
Published 9/10/2016
Location: This 'hidden gem' is located at the north edge of Fort Snelling National Cemetery in Minneapolis, MN (see Clue Me! Map). The photograph shows perhaps 10% of the grave sites. One reason to visit this spot is that it's on a slight rise, so you get a sense of the magnitude of the cemetery, and how many heroes are buried here. You also realize how many graves are not visible, hidden behind the many trees and rolling hills (because you will have just driven through them to reach this location).
Almost all of the markers are members of the military, and families, from Minnesota and the surrounding states. Almost all, but not quite. You could stop about half a mile south of here at a civilian's grave that certainly belongs.
It reads:
Thomas E. Burnett Jr
Cadet, U.S. Air Force
May 29 1963
Sep 11 2001
Citizen Soldier
Flight 93
.........
Here's the hidden gem entry from our Clue Me! map.
Clue
Row upon row of stone markers
Description
Fort Snelling National Cemetery
Why It's Interesting
Fort Snelling National Cemetery is one of the largest national cemeteries for U.S. military veterans. It was established in 1939, but has many graves of veterans from prior wars who were moved here. Graves of several medal of honor awardees are here. The map location of this gem is a place where you can get a sense of the sheer numbers of veterans from Minnesota and neighboring states who have served our country. It is remarkable.
