Others wear dog tags.
We know this day is not just about the BBQs and the beach. It is acknowledging those who serve and have served our country and those who gave the ultimate sacrifice. I woke up this morning and decided to go over to Arlington Cemetery. I wanted to just walk around, think a bit, take some pictures and say thank you. Seeing all of Arlington, stretching as far as the eye can see, is always so humbling. It makes me so grateful for all those who have served. For my husband, his grandfather, my grandfather, all the terrific men and women who were willing to lay their lives down for their country.
It is no surprise it was packed today. People all across the metro station from end to end three rows thick, a line of traffic all the way across the bridge. Of course when I arrive they aren't letting anyone in! It was so packed! So I am standing on the sidewalk waiting and waiting... twenty or so minutes go by and then a motorcade comes through. I have lived in DC five years and this is the closest I have been to the President. Yes it was the president's motorcade. He was on my side too and I saw him waving as everyone cheered. Pretty cool sight to see.
Then I was able to go in and walk around. It was soooooo hot and I was pretty gross real fast, but I did a lot of walking. There were a lot of people there in uniform, some in dress others in cammies, some with wives or girlfriends, others with families. I saw one man with his four children walking around and I could not resist taking a picture of them as they walked. Seeing military families just always gets to me, I cannot help it. I avoided the Visitor's Center since it was packed, but I wish I had gone in. They had roses to take and you could put them anywhere you wanted, I just didn't realize it until I was too far away. I went up to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and the ampitheatre before heading back to the metro and home. Here are some pictures I took.
Happy Memorial Day... and thank you (and all you know) for your service.
I was also very blessed to see my mom, dad and Stefan tonight for dinner. Having family around always makes me happy. And this is my 400th post... wow.
I was just informed that I am not allowed to say "Happy" Memorial day .. That there is nothing "Happy" about today! ... Can you believe that! I loved this post by the way! It was beautiful. I went on base to the cemetery there and put flowers on random graves but that was pretty must the extent to my day! Hope you had a good one!
ReplyDeleteThis was a great post. The quote at the beginning is the best I've heard all day.
ReplyDeleteI loved all your pictures. Thank you for taking the time to go pay Honor to our Fallen. I understand why some do not feel "Happy" about the day. My best friend & her two children lost their Hero on May 22,2011 - so there is nothing "Happy" about today for them & many others where the grief is still so fresh. I decided to just let them know I will remember on this day & always & will now leave off the "Happy". But I think it differs with every Fallen Heroes family.
ReplyDeletewhat fantastic photos! i'm so glad you got to celebrate in such a special way :)
ReplyDeleteThere is always such a tug at my heart and a lump in my throat when I see images of the many headstones at the Arlington Cemetery and other cemeteries honoring veterans. Wonderful tribute post.
ReplyDeleteBlessings & Aloha!
...catching up on some blog reading and visiting those on this week's Mil Spouse Weekly Roundup...last week was busy, so didnt even manage to get my "one post a week" post up last week. ...Happy to be here!