Those Who Served Traditional Cache
NeverSeenGene: This one already has been muggled three times, making it quite clear that the area doesn't lend itself to retaining anything larger than a micro. I don't want that, so I'm archiving this cache.
-
Difficulty:
-
-
Terrain:
-
Size: 
(regular)
Please note Use of geocaching.com services is subject to the terms and conditions
in our disclaimer.
This is an approximately 9" X 6" placed at one of the oldest cemeteries -- if not the oldest cemetery -- in McDowell County. Buried there are multiple veterans of both the Revolutionary War and the Civil War. I haven't checked, but I have no doubt that also there are veterans of every other U.S. war as well. See complete description for more information, including parking.
When I was growing up, this small church still was a white frame building and it was as charming a place of worship as you'd ever see. The renovations that have so drastically changed the appearances of so many churches have had its way here too. However, the sprawling old cemetery still is quiet and peaceful almost all the time. You should not search for this cache at any time that it is not because, although the cache is not within the cemetery, it is very near it. Keep in mind also that the trees that used to surround this area and provide privacy are almost all gone. Please rehide as well or better than you find it to try to keep it in service.
Please park at the church parking area at the listed parking coordinates and walk through or by the cemetery to the oldest graves near the cairn at the far southeast end of the cemetery. Here you will find the graves of many of the earliest inhabitants of the area, as well as the graves of Revolutionary soldiers.
TO KEEP THIS ONE IN SERVICE, YOU'LL HAVE TO BE STEALTHY AND TO REPLACE IT CAREFULLY.
Also, in line with its title "Those Who Served," this cache is intended as a meek memorial to our veterans and servicemen. Accordingly, the cache was put out with a number of tradables related to military service. If possible, use like items in trade.
*******Thanks and congratulations (once again) to RobinMohawk for the FTF*******
Additional Hints
(Decrypt)
V rnfvyl pna vzntvar naprfgbef bs byq tngurerq va gur funqr bs gerrf, fznyyre naq zber cyragvshy gura, fvatvat byq ulzaf yvxr gur bar jvgu gur yvar gung raqf, "'pnhfr V'ir tbg n ubzr ba gur bgure fvqr."