Nestled on the east side of the cemetery in Hyde Park, Utah, lies the little-known grave of Civil War veteran Joseph Cain. According to his headstone, Cain was a private in Company B of the 50th Regiment in the Illinois Infantry. He was born September 30, 1841, and died February 16, 1907.

I first learned of Private Cain through Hyde Park neighbor Dorothy Cook Izatt. Cain was a friend of her grandfather when her father was a kid.

Click here to read more about Private Joseph Cain.

A widow of a World War II veteran, Dorothy felt a strong connection to Cain and cared for his grave along with other veterans for many years. Before Dorthy passed away in 2010, she asked if I would take over caring for Cain’s grave once she was no longer around. It’s been our honor to do so.

We also honor Lance Corporal Michael Allred who is also buried in Hyde Park. Michael was our friend and neighbor and was the first combat casualty from Cache Valley when he was killed in Iraq on Labor Day of 2004.

As you remember those you love this Memorial Day, we encourage you to also remember to especially remember those who “gave the last full measure of devotion,” as President Abraham Lincoln urged on the hallowed grounds of Gettysburg, that we be “highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain.”

Have a beautiful Sunday!

We love you!

Les & Elisa