Written by Michael Larson
Memorial Day reminds us that there are many veteran stories that should be preserved for the future. Marking a veteran’s grave with a military marker is one way to tell that unique story.
In 2024, there was a dedication for a new Civil War marker placed in Crystal Lake Cemetery that highlights the importance of memorial headstones.
One veteran’s family had worked for a long time trying to get a marker ordered for their ancestor. The celebration of that work took place on a warm and windy afternoon in May, about 160 years after the war had ended.
In 1863, 23-year-old John Wesley Harper enlisted in Company K of the 54th Massachusetts Infantry. The story of that unit was portrayed in the movie Glory that starred Denzel Washington and Matthew Broderick. Harper also served in other units of the U.S. Army.
John Harper survived the war and with his wife, Frances, had a family of 16 children. Today there are many descendants of John and Frances Frazer Harper. Numerous family members also served in the Armed Forces through the years.
At the dedication this past May there were many proud family members, community members including the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War, the VFW, the American Legion, historical re-enactors from the 1st Minnesota Honor Guard, as well as one actor portraying President Lincoln.
The dedication ceremony is on YouTube and if you search “John Wesley Harper Ceremony” you can have a front row seat at the festivities. Through the efforts of a family and with help from community organizations and Crystal Lake Cemetery, a veteran’s life is honored with a gravestone and marked each year with a flag on Memorial Day.