J.M. SIMPSON: REMEMBERING THE FALLEN >>>

The cedar box is simple in its design and large in its message.

On the cover is the crest of the 1st Battalion, 17th Infantry Regiment.  When the box is opened the following words appear:

With deepest respect from the soldiers and families of the "Buffaloes" 1st Battalion, 17th Infantry Regiment

"I am meditative when I make these memorial boxes," said Robert Bussabarger, co-owner of Millennia Wood, as he stood next to his wife, Shelley Ferer, at the Olympia Farmer's Market.

"Each box represents the story of a life," said Ferer.

Since 1985, the couple has worked in the Olympia area.  The work is simple and beautiful.

One box cover clearly showed an apple orchard shrouded in fog, creating a hauntingly beautiful view. 

Each memorial box is individually crafted from ancient growth cedar trees that can live to be 800 to 1,000 years old.  The wood is water resistant, lasts for centuries and is easy to work with, said Ferer.

A laser engraver allows the couple to put whatever is desired on the cover.

The proud crest of the 1st Battalion, 17th Infantry Regiment is one of the latest images to be engraved.

"It is one way to show respect to the soldier and the family with these boxes," continued Ferer.

In early June, members from the battalion's family readiness group approached Ferer and Bussabarger. They liked the simplicity and dignity that the cedar boxes offered, and they wanted to honor the family members of fallen soldiers. So they soon began a relationship with Millennia Wood.

"I am very impressed and honored by the group of women who came to me," said Ferer. "They are doing this out of their own pockets, and their efforts are admirable to provide a tribute to those who have lost a soldier."

While the grain of the cedar determines the size and shape of the memorial box, the ones Ferer and Bussabarger have made for the battalion measures approximately 6 by 8 inches in size.

"We are deeply honored to have the occasion to honor these families," reiterated Ferer.

"I simply hope that we have to make no more of these," added Bussabarger.

For more information on the memorial boxes, visit www.millenniawood.com or call (360) 352-7239.

Photo: Shelley Ferer and Robert Bussabarger, owners of Millennia Wood,
show one of the memorial boxes they have made for 1st Battalion, 17th
Infantry Regiment. Photography by J.M. Simpson