Looking over the Potomac River, Ball's Bluff National Cemetery is located near Virginia's northern border with Maryland. The small site, found on a Leesburg residential cul-de-sac, honors the Civil War battle site of Ball's Bluff. Marble headstones mark the graves of 54 soldiers. And all but one of the grave markers bear the inscription of unknown. The Union commander, Col. Edward D. Baker, was killed in thE battle and is also honored here with a marble memorial. Baker is buried at the San Francisco National Cemetery (Presidio) in California.
   The subject of closing Ball's Bluff has periodically surfaced. The suggestion of reinterring the remains to Culpepper National Cemetery has been blocked repeatedly. Although the property is in need of a little tender loving care, doing away with the National Landmark stirs public sentiment and has spared the little park.
   This Ball's Bluff Cemetery scene offers a Memorial Day and Veterans Day salute to all veterans, both living and dead. November 11th has been set aside to honor all those who served in the military. Remembrance Day is also celebrated in Canada, Great Britain and Australia.

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