Fidelis ad urnam

On the top stone is the emblem of the San Patricios flag (Irish Battalion of the Mexican Army 1847-8), which also was used in Irish regiments in the American War for the Union (1861-5). This is on the flag with the words Éirinn go Brách, or Erin Go Bragh (Ireland For Ever). Fidelis ad urnam is Latin for faithful to the urn (which is funeral object, so it translates to faithful to the tomb, or faithful until death. The motto alone is the slogan the Malones. But this Irishman was a Walsh.

It must be remembered, that, all of Ireland was under English/British occupation, and many left Ireland escaping the prison, and the hangman. Some while in the new country worked for the old country's freedom. Other than that, the American army recruited the foreign born. 

Walking through the graveyard reading stones as if they were history, one's imagination can construct a narrative. The more one knows of history, and symbolism, one's suppositions can be plausible. Going to records offices, more particular evidence can be found. That is not my trade. I just on occasion read stones.

In Memoriam

Captain P. K. Walsh

Born in Ireland 1818.

Died in Cleveland, O.

July 28th 1886. 

True to God. His Country

and

Human Liberty.

God Save Ireland.

God Bless the Memory of

Ireland's Brave

and

Unflinching Patriot.

As impressive as the small stone, it is not alone. He has second, bigger one. This one has a medal on the stone. It reads, on its front face: Sacred to the memory of Capt. Patrick Kiernan Walsh. Born in Dundalk, Ireland. 1818. Died in Cleveland, O. July 28th 1886. "May his soul rest in peace"

This line, on another face is something special: Erected by his many friends, as a tribute of affection.