Veteran's Day Remembered

Upon entering Arlington National Cemetery, the first thing seen is this metal sign, reminding us that we are walking on hollowed ground. It is good that it is there, however it really isn't necessary.  It is impossible to enter those gates and not feel the impact of lives lived and lost for our country.  As far as the eye can see in any direction, are row upon row of headstones, marking the graves of men and women who fought and died for their country, for our country.

The above picture is of Section 35, the flag flying is on one of two flag poles on the grounds. The cemetery consists of 624 acres. Grounds that once belonged to Robert E. Lee's wife. Their  home was there and still stands to this day.  An odd reminder of how war does not discriminate against anyone.  The Lee's lost their home due to the fact that in 1861, Gen. Lee joined the Confederacy. When their taxes came due, $97.00, Gen. Lee could not return to pay them and as a result the American government confiscated his home. It was used as a headquarters for the Union and as a hospital for her soldiers. This is just one of many stories the cemetery has to tell.
    

Everywhere I looked, I felt humbled and proud at the same time. President John F. Kennedy and his family are buried there. The eternal flame burning in the sunshine and the rain. 

The tomb of the Unknown Soldier resides in Arlington National Cemetery. It is guarded by soldiers day and night. Each soldier doing 8 hour shifts, no matter what the weather may be. When the East coast was hit by the last hurricane of the summer, the winds were so strong it made walking nearly impossible. The guards were allowed to leave their posts. None of them did. They all declined and continued their duty to the Unknown Soldiers. This fact alone describes the Cemetery.  It is in honor of those who gave the ultimate sacrifice. 

Veteran's Day is approaching fast.  Flags are flying everywhere.  Memorials are being planned, and this is a good thing. In May, on Memorial Day we honor the soldiers who died for our country. In November we honor the soldiers who fought for our country and lived to tell the story.  To me on each holiday, I remember and honor both the living and the dead. After all where would we be without them?

Each day in Arlington, around 35 funerals are held. That alone should make us stop and think about what it is like to go to war.  To face challenges they never thought possible, when they were children growing up.

They were men and women just like you and me.  People who were either drafted or felt the call to join the military. It is a heavy decision to sign papers and literally give your life up for a certain amount of time  in defense of your country. It is one few take lightly.


Once the papers are signed, no one knows the outcome.  Most men and women return home. None ever return home unchanged. 


The Vietnam Memorial put my feelings into actual words.  It is a small plaque 3 feet by 2 feet, made of black granite.  inscribed are these words.....
"In memory of the men and women who served in the Vietnam War and later died as a result of their service.  We honor and remember their sacrifice."


I believe this to be a truth for all soldiers everywhere.
For whatever it is worth----thank you.