An Eagle on a gravestone at Fort Snelling National Cemetery

Chee-to · May 25, 2015

On Memorial Day 2015, a photo of a bald eagle perching on the gravestone of a fallen soldier rings true to the spirit of the day. Today is a day when the United States remembers those women and men who died serving in the country's armed forces, and this one photo taken at Fort Snelling National Cemetery by photographer Frank Glick has struck a nerve. While the photo itself was taken months ago - scratch that, YEARS AGO - the image has spread *again* in a big way since earlier this morning.

Not to be confused with Veterans Day, Memorial Day is a day to celebrate those who served with the United States armed forces and are no longer with us. Fort Snelling National Cemetery is home to thousands of graves of soldiers and those that've served the country in wars and combat situations.

Amateur photographer Frank Glick snapped this photo on his way to work one day. A friend of his suggested that he contact any living relatives of the soldier the eagle had landed upon.

The grave belonged to Maurice Ruch, and his widow was "delighted to receive a copy of the eagle watching over her beloved husband."

rick benjamin · May 25, 2015

From Snopes
"The eagle had landed on the grave of Sgt. Maurice Ruch, who had been a member of the St. Anthony Kiwanis Club.

Maurie graduated from college in mechanical engineering in December of 1941 and enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Corps. Known for his keen eye, he became a rifle marksman and was stationed in the Aleutian Islands. He served four years in the military and earned a bronze star. "