A few weeks ago I had the opportunity to travel to the Washington D. C. area for work. Sure, I did the things I needed to do, but I also took advantage of this incredible opportunity to see some of our Nation's Treasures. I toured the White House and a couple of Smithsonian Museums. I was very impressed by the architecture, art, and awe of the Capitol Building (single most impressive building structure I have witnessed). I stood in silence as I revered our Nation's sacred documents...The Declaration of Independence...The Constitution of the United States of America...and the Bill of Rights. And then there was Arlington National Cemetery.
A few weeks ago I went to Arlington National Cemetery. It had been on my list to see ever since I new what it was and what it meant. I was with a couple of co-workers who had never served and I wasn't really sure if they realized the magnitude of those hollowed grounds. They did, however, at the very least, have respect for those who rest eternal beneath the sacred soil. I couldn't get over exactly how large Arlington is. I mean, it is vast...that is about the only way to describe the size of it...vast. The day was perfect...at least from my perspective. A cool and cloudy fall day with the leaves newly turned from vibrant green of the spring and summer to the myriad of reds, oranges, and yellows. Colors danced in the sky line to decorate this solemn place. I filled with emotion the moment I stepped foot on Holy Ground.
The destination was of course the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier to see the Changing of the Guard. My friends and I made our way to the high point on the hill where the ceremony was to take place. We stopped occasionally and took notice of the beautiful and tranquil scenes. About half way to our destination, a memorial procession came our way. I knew what it was immediately, and I began to weep. I took a picture from afar and then dared not take any more out of respect for the deceased and for the ageless around me that stood guard of these grounds. My friends held their distance and were able to take a better picture than mine. As the procession came closer, I stood at attention to pay my respects to the deceased and to honor our flag. I could not stifle the tears that flowed from my eyes. This was probably one of the most emotional things I have ever witnessed.
I continued my journey and made my way to the Tomb of the Unknown soldier. The air was quiet and peaceful already, but when I arrived...silence. It was as if celestial beings from on high sucked all sound from the world. There was no sound at all, except for my own beating heart...and I feared that was too loud. The memorial site is placed on the side of a very high place overlooking a beautiful scene of the rest of the world. Words escape me for how beautiful it is. Not long the Changing of the Guard occurred. Perfect synchronization of silent cadence and movement dazzled my eyes and mind. The ceremony did not take long, but I felt out of breath from the emotion of it all.
We made our way back to go see other things, but as we walked back, I reflected on those that I have known that are no longer with us but are in the Great Halls of Valhalla. I thought on those I have served with that are still with us today. I looked into my own soul and tried to grasp what it was that I saw that day.
On that day I worshiped. Not in an ordinary church, but outside in the cathedral that surrounded me. I worshiped in the trees, grass, and headstones. I worshiped among my fallen brothers and sisters. I worshiped my country and my fellow servicemen. And then I cried some more.
To all of those who have or are still serving in the United States Armed Forces...Happy Veteran's Day!
My Veteran's Day Tribute
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