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Saturday, April 5, 2014

Visiting Thiais Cemetery - Part 2

Last week, I reported on the new tramway that runs past Thiais Cemetery, making it easier than ever to visit Beauford's final resting place.

This week, I am sharing photos of the cemetery that I took in late March. They capture some of the foliage and flora that reflect the arrival of spring.

This is the conservation office, where cemetery records are held.

Conservation Office
© Discover Paris!

Division 17 is one of two military divisions at the cemetery. In one corner, there is an area devoted to Muslims who gave their lives for France.

Division 17 - entrance
© Discover Paris!

Division 17 - Christian and Jewish graves
© Discover Paris!

Muslim graves
© Discover Paris!

Muslim tombstone
© Discover Paris!

Some divisions have beautiful flowering trees and bushes.

Division 49
© Discover Paris!

Division 56
© Discover Paris!

Many have patches of wildflowers that make a lovely, colorful carpet among the graves.

Wildflowers
© Discover Paris!

In Division 94, the Jardin de Souvenir is where the ashes of two African-American friends of Beauford - Larry Potter and Leroy Haynes - were scattered after their concessions at Thiais Cemetery and Père Lachaise Cemetery, respectively, were not renewed. Larry Potter was an abstract artist. Leroy Haynes was a restaurant owner, boxer, and actor.

Jardin de Souvenir
© Discover Paris!

In Division 86, where Beauford is buried, this tomb is overlain with an explosion of yellow daffodils. It is only a stone's throw from Beauford's gravesite.

Daffodils covering a grave
© Discover Paris!

As yellow was Beauford's favorite color, I am sure that he would have loved to see this!

Beauford's tombstone is as pristine today as it was when it was laid in 2010.

Beauford's tombstone - March 2014
© Discover Paris!

The cemetery is an oasis of calm. Though it takes planning to come here, the effort is well worth it!

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