Reed Burman, shown in 2012 with grandson Jeff and great-grandchildren Isabelle, Andrew and Benjamin.
BY HELEN B. FOSTER
Correspondent
What started six generations ago to honor five Burman brothers who fought in the Civil War has moved from generation to generation.
According to family history, the graves of veterans buried in Ararat Cemetery and also two family plots have been tended by a member of the Burman family since the caring sister began honoring her brothers all those years ago.
Reed Burman, 96, who passed away May 23, accompanied his mother, Laura, as a young boy and had been faithfully tending these graves over 90 years. Each generation has been taught to place the flags on the graves with respect, honor, dignity and pride, grandson Jeffrey said.
Thursday, May 23, was the day set aside this year for placing the flags but family members were not sure when that day the family patriarch passed away.
Three generations of Burman family are shown carrying on the tradition started by Reed Burman’s mother many years ago. From left are Nicholas, Benjamin, Jeffrey, Andrew Reed and Isabelle; with David Burman standing in the back.
It was decided the best way to honor their father, grandfather and great grandfather was to carry on the tradition as he would have if he had still been with them.
When it appeared Reed’s time on earth would soon be over, his grandson, Jeffrey assured him the family tradition would continue with a new generation anxious to honor those who put their lives on hold to keep our country safe.
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