Arlington National Cemetery

As we walked through the gates into Arlington National Cemetery last weekend, waves of emotions and feelings washed over me.

Awe... these are "hallowed grounds"... sacred, holy, reverent are synonyms for hallowed.  

Respect... for those who lost their lives defending our country, for those who lost loved ones who were defending our country, for the men and women who work at Arlington National Cemetery and for the Cemetery itself and what it stands for.

Gratitude... for those who selflessly are serving or have served our country, and especially for those who lost their lives. The headstones stretch out as far as the eye can see without regard to rank or status ... officers buried next to enlisted men and women.

"Here rests in honored glory an American soldier known but to God"

Sorrow... for all the unknown soldiers buried at Arlington National Cemetery and for their families who didn't get closure. The remains of three unknown servicemen (one from WWI, one from WWII and one from the Korean War) are buried at the Tomb of the Unknowns. The remains of the unknown serviceman from the Vietnam War were disinterred in 1998 and identified as Air Force 1st Lt. Michael J. Blassie. He was reinterred in St. Louis, MO near his family's home. There are currently thousands of unidentified remains buried at Arlington National Cemetery.

Admiration... for the soldiers who guard the Tomb of the Unknowns 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year in all weather. The are extremely well-disciplined and focused as they walk back and forth in full dress uniform. Their rifle is moved to the outside shoulder so that nothing comes between them and the soldiers they are guarding.

Changing of the guard occurs every hour during winter months and every half hour during summer months. Night rotations are two hours.

Pride... for the honorable way in which these unknown soldiers' remains are treated. They were valued in life and they are valued in death. Soldiers of the 3rd US Army Infantry Regiment (the Old Guard), after becoming ceremonially qualified, are eligible to volunteer as Sentinels at the Tomb.  They consider it a privilege and an honor to guard the tomb.

Hopeful... that future generations will remember and respect those who serve our country so selflessly. Schools and civic organizations can request to participate in a wreath-laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknowns. It is a formal ceremony complete with a bugler playing "Taps." 

Joy... that there are so many groups and individuals who want to pay tribute to the unknown soldiers. The Sentinels perform as many as 20 or more wreath-laying ceremonies a day.

Nostalgic... for times gone by. If you were over the age of five when President Kennedy was assassinated, you remember what you were doing when you heard the news. I was in 2nd grade taking a spelling test when the principal tearfully told the school over the intercom that our President had been shot and killed. School was dismissed shortly afterwards. It was a day of great mourning for our entire country- political affiliation didn't matter. It was a time when right and wrong were black and white without so many gray areas.

As we walked out the gate at the end of the day, we all stood a little taller and straighter... and felt a little more patriotic as we reflected on our time at Arlington National Cemetery.