SHREVEPORT, La. — More than 100 years after his death, a Union Civil War veteran buried in Shreveport was finally honored with a proper grave marker on Memorial Day.
Members of the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War unveiled a period-style marker Monday for Samuel R. Arbuthnot at Forest Park East Cemetery. Arbuthnot, an Ohio native, enlisted in the Union Army in 1865 at age 17.
Researchers with the organization discovered Arbuthnot’s grave had been left unmarked after submitting a request to locate his burial site.
“Who knows? He might have had a wooden marker at one time when he died in 1920, and it disappeared over the years,” said Bill Elliott with the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War.
After serving in the military, Arbuthnot moved to Belcher. He died in May 1920 and was buried in Shreveport.
The Memorial Day ceremony included remarks about Arbuthnot’s life, scripture readings and prayer. Community members also attended to pay their respects and reflect on the sacrifices made by veterans across generations.
“Our charge is to honor the memory and service of Union veterans,” Elliott said.
One attendee, Ginger Marks, said Memorial Day always reminds her of her father, who served in World War II, and the importance of remembering those who fought for our country.
“We have so much to be thankful for, especially people who were willing to die for the beliefs we hold dear,” she said.
Elliott said Arbuthnot’s wife, Millie Arbuthnot, also will receive a traditional grave marker at her gravesite in the future.