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Bloomington, Illinois: Longest Epitaph In Granite

147 words of wisdom from the deceased are crowded onto the granite tombstone of Richard L. Jones (1937-1986). Ripley's dubbed it the longest epitaph in granite.

Evergreen Cemetery

Address:
302 E Miller St, Bloomington, IL
Directions:
Evergreen Cemetery, southeast corner, very near the roadway. Look for the big black granite block with lots of words.
Hours:
Gated after hours. Local health policies may affect hours and access.
Admission:
Free
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Longest epitaph.

Longest Epitaph In Granite

The longest epitaph in granite, according to Ripley's Believe It or Not is on the headstone of Richard L. Jones 12-20-37 4-15-86 in Bloomington's Evergreen Cemetery.

It reads "I did not choose to be a common man. It is my right to be uncommon, if I can I seek opportunity not security, I did not wish to be a kept citizen Humbled and dulled by having the state look after me I want to take the calculated risk to dream and to build to fail and to succeed. I refuse to barter incentive for a dole I prefer the challenges of life to the guaranteed existence the thrill of fulfillment to the stale calm of utopia. I will not trade freedom for beneficence nor my dignity for a handout. I will never cower before any master Nor bend to any threat It is my heritage to stand erect proud And unafraid To think and act for myself Enjoy the benefits of my creations and to face the world boldly and say this I have done."

[Doug Dirr, 12/05/2013]

Nearby Offbeat Places

Wizard Of Oz Dorothy Grave and StatueWizard Of Oz Dorothy Grave and Statue, Bloomington, IL - < 1 mi.
Concrete Giantess and Whale SharkConcrete Giantess and Whale Shark, Bloomington, IL - < 1 mi.
Courthouse DomeCourthouse Dome, Bloomington, IL - < 1 mi.
In the region:
Muffler Man - Soda Jerk, Macon, IL - 52 mi.

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