I recently took a “Cemetery Day” and meandered through Lancaster County visiting relatives in Graveyards. Of course, while in the various graveyards, I didn’t only visit them, but wandered and met others. Two people I met were John H. Hipple and his mother, Mary.
This beautiful monument drew me immediately when I saw the weathered canon and sword towards the top and the flag in the ground. Although it has weathered over the years, that emblem still remains. Flags always draw me. I like to pay homage to those who have served and thank them for what they have done. 
Battles we’ve all heard of are documented on one side, ending with John’s last in Spotsylvania.
Mary’s pride and grief are recorded on the other side. 
It is therefore no surprise to find buried next to her beloved son is Mary, between John and her husband Frederick for all of eternity. As a mother of sons that have served in the Armed Forces and grandmother of one who is currently serving, I understand this mother’s passion.
She not only sacrificed her son, she sacrificed a lot of money to honor and memorialize him.
