Blanchard Graves

Arlington Cemetery, July 1999

My father, Lloyd Courtney Blanchard (nicknamed "Opie") rests in Arlington Cemetery. He's in Grave 3548 in Section 35. To get there from the visitor's center, take Eisenhower Drive, past the crossroads at McClellan Drive, past the left-side-only road of York, taking your next right on Porter Drive. The next junction is five-way, where you should take the second road from your right, which is still Porter. Next will be a Y in the road -- if you take the wrong turn to the right here you head for the Tomb of the Unknown Soldiers -- take the left fork (still Porter). Park along this first stretch of road. Section 35 is to your right, down the slope.

Opie's Spot in Arlington Cemetery: This shot is taken from beneath the welcome shade of a tall tree, looking toward Opie's grave. His is the one with flowers on it in the center of the picture. Up the hill is Porter road.
Miri and Ted at their Grandfather's Grave: Wwe were all suffering a lot from the heat and the strain of getting into the cemetery and finding the grave, so it's not a great shot of the kids.
A clear shot of the grave of Opie Blanchard: We brought him a yellow rose to represent Dale and his love of Texas, and carnations because they were his favorite flower.