OT: Memorial Day

[KJMUNC]

Had a free afternoon on my trip to DC this week so I walked down to Arlington Nat'l Cemetery and wound up spending all afternoon there. I have a friend and a relative buried there, both of which were very raw to see in person, even after 10-20yrs.

Watched the changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and just walked around and thought about how every headstone was it's own story. Sure, many didn't die in war and are veterans who chose to be buried there, but it doesn't change the fact that there's a group of people who died in defense of the lifestyle we so often take for granted.

Regardless of your political leanings it's a sobering and powerful experience. I was glad to see two groups there: hundreds of Honor Flight vets from WWII and Korea and tons of school kids. Important to get closure for a lot of those who actually experienced it and good to see so many of a different generation at least visualizing what the impact of war means. Heard at least 10 honor guard shots while I was there so it's a never ending affair....especially with the remaining WWII vets fading away and Korea not far behind.

Makes the minutae of day to day life seem pretty small in comparison.

[paredown]

Thanks for the reminder.

We happened to drive out of DC last weekend across the Memorial Bridge in the late evening, and just looking up at that ghostly lit building on the high ground gives me shivers...

[superbowlpats]

I travel to DC a lot for work. Have walked through Arlington a number of times. Its hallowed ground, truly a humbling experience. Same with the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall.

[Bentley]

Very nice note and reminder, thanks.

I had the privilege of attending a memorial service at Arlington several years ago, it was for a friends Dad. I would offer its something everyone should do. The services are very formal, but they bring you back to the service of the deceased. It was a very powerful and sobering experience. The service was lightly attended, typically they occur at a time very separated from the death so its generally just the immediate family, attendance is not a problem as an observer.

I would also recommend attending the review at the Marine Barracks at 19th and I during the summer, it will both break your heart and make you proud.

Thanks for helping us remember

Ray

[Ken Robb]

Originally Posted by Bentley

Very nice note and reminder, thanks.

I
I would also recommend attending the review at the Marine Barracks at 19th and I during the summer, it will both break your heart and make you proud.

Thanks for helping us remember

Ray

Isn't it 8th and I?

[ColonelJLloyd]

Originally Posted by KJMUNC

...it's a sobering and powerful experience.

Sure is.

[Bostic]

My wife and I visited there in 2012. Very hot day, upper 90's. We also watched the changing of the guard. Very powerful.

The Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center is another powerful visit. So much history in that building.

It's not just a day off.

[572cv]

I spent an afternoon there in early March, with wife and daughter. We went and found great-grandfather's memorial. It's in the center of the picture attached, as it turns out. Arlington is a powerful place, a noble gesture, a place of grief, of love, of pride.

A great post to begin the Memorial Day Weekend. Thanks to all who served.

[54ny77]

Thank you for the post & remembrance.

As someone with family in military, I unfortunately have a constant reminder of what bad--and I mean horrendously bad--places there are in the world.

[Tickdoc]

good post.

This comic always comes to mind this weekend.

[BlueFly]

I often remember how others have struggled/suffered so that I may have such a fortunate life.

Thank you.

[Bentley]

Originally Posted by Ken Robb

Isn't it 8th and I?

You are right, different place.

Ray

[OtayBW]

I've been meaning to go to the Viet Nam memorial. That's always had a powerful pull on me. On a different, but related note, I went up to the 911 memorial last Fall and also found that to be extremely moving. The large footprint voids with the vanishing pools, and that Freedom Tower is, I think, one of the most beautifully designed and constructed buildings that I have ever seen.

[Matthew]

Thanks for the post. Proud to be an American. With all of it's faults, still the greatest nation on earth. Happy Memorial Day to all. To those that have served, sacrificed some or all, I thank you. Matthew

[tiretrax]

Everything above, I repeat. The Marine parade is one of the most moving things I've seen in my life.