Memorial Day in the USA

"that from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full measure of devotion - that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain - that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom - and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth." -- Abraham Lincoln

These words came clear to me recently on a visit to Baldwin Cemetery in the town of Vernon, Indiana.  While I was studying a nearby fossil locality, my journey took me though this cemetery where I came across the tombstones of two soldiers.  Both men have the same last names and buried within meters of each other. One died during World War II and the other a soldier in the American Civil War serving with the 22 Regiment Indiana Infantry died of old age during World War I. 

Memorial Day was created to honor soldiers like this.

Interesting, the same cemetery more veterans were found and again with the same family name.  These veterans were from the War of 1812 and the American Civil War.

Another grave marker appears to be from the famous Indiana Limestone and shows some the excellent stone carving craftsmanship.  It represents a tree stump with a fern growing next to it.

The Muscatatuck River flowing near the cemetery.

Cephalopod imprint of a Silurian Dawsonoceras(?) in the Laurel Dolomite.

Phacops Trilobite Thorax

Phacops trilobite from the Devonian Period found in Jeffersonville Limestone of Clark County, Indiana. 

Actor Larry Hagman Fossil

The actor made famous for his role as the oil baron J.R. Ewing on the television show Dallas, Larry Hagman is auctioning of his cephalopod fossil grouped with geodes. It is lot number 7 and described as "Two two blue and white crystal geodes, together with a fossil of squid in black marble. Fossil, 8 by 12 inches". Estimated price $100-200 US and already has an on-line bid.

UPDATE: Ammonite/Geodes sold for $200.

CLICK LINK HERE to see the auction site with pictures of the items and also a picture of where they were displayed in his home. The polished cephalopods appear to be from Morocco (Silurian Period?). These items are decorations and not part of a formal collection.  It is neat to see them in an auction with all the television/movie items.

Another item that is interesting is the replica of the genie bottle from his television show I Dream of Jeannie.   CLICK HERE TO VIEW.  Estimated value $1000-2000.

UPDATE: Replica genie bottle sold for $8000!

The auction will be June 4, 2011 at Julian's Auctions in Beverly Hills, California with Internet bidding as well.  Free Public Exhibition: Monday, May 23rd - Friday, June 3rd Monday - Saturday: 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. (P.S.T.) (Closed Sundays) Live and Online Auction: Saturday, June 4, 2011 Session I: 10:00 a.m. P.S.T. Session II: 2:00 p.m. P.S.T. Location: Julien's Auctions Beverly Hills 9665 Wilshire Boulevard Suite 150 Beverly Hills, CA 90210 For more information email info@juliensauctions.com or call 310-836-1818

Embedded in this posts is a television story about the auction. Mr. Hagman's wife has sick and it appears he needs to downsize their estate and move where she can get treatment.