Early in morning, I went to Arlington National Cemetery to remember the sacrifice that others made for me. Today, we celebrate Veteran’s Day. I thought about why we celebrate Veteran’s Day. It is a day of remembrance. After this polarizing election, let’s remember what makes us a great country.
The history of Veterans’ Day dates back to the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918. This is the moment in time when the armistice between Germany and the Allied nations came to be. This moment brought an end to World War I, the greatest war to that date in our history.
On November 11, 1919, President Wilson proclaimed Armistice Day. Ever since Americans commemorate the United States’ Veterans who served in World War I. In 1926, the United States Congress officially recognized November 11 as the end of World War I and declared the day of remembrance of the armistice anniversary. The most memorable location that reminds me of the sacrifice of others is Arlington National Cemetery, Washington DC. Now, we remember all our veterans from all wars that Americans has fought to defend our freedom .
Therefore, in observance Veteran’s day, in dedication to all our Veteran’s and the most memorable location of their sacrifice is Arlington National Cemetery, Washington DC. This post is dedicated to those who serve and sacrifice, so I can be free.
Thank you to all who serve our country today and have served. And special Thank You to my daughter KC Sowers, United State Coast Guard, Al Sowers, United States Coast Guard, His brother Kevin Sowers, United State Coast Guard, and Marissa and Justin Strausser, US Navy. And my Uncle Bill Patrick, who served in the Korean War, US Army.
“Let every nation know, whether it wishes us well or ill, that we shall pay any price, bear any burden, meet any hardship, support any friend, oppose any foe to assure the survival and the success of liberty.”
John F. Kennedy
Top 6 Sites at Arlington National Cemetery, Washington DC
Whatever you do don’t go before the site opens, you absolutely can not get in. So I walked to the Lincoln Memorial – it was a nice walk before the day reached a sweltering 100 degrees again with humidity. Honestly, I think I hate the humid heat of DC. I prefer the cold of the mountains then this blazing heat.
The Women’s War Memorial and entrance to Arlington National Cemetery, Washington DC
#6 The Women’s War Memorial in the morning light around 7:00 am
(- Please forgive me that number 6 is first. It’s out of sequence because I have to give the number one spot to the fallen.)
My walk to the Lincoln Memorial was uneventful, but I did notice that an awful lot of military people run around the grounds as part of their PT training.
The most important thing to remember is that Arlington National Cemetery, Washington DC is scared hallowed ground. Respect and quiet observed at all times, out of respect for those who rest here in peace and for the loved ones who visit. Hours are from 8:00 – 5:00 EST time.
To learn more about the protocol and right to be buried here – check out the government information.
Remembrance of Those Who Served
#2 President John F. Kennedy’s Eternal Flame
#3 Tomb of the Unknown Soldier
Tomb Of The Unknown Soldier
10 Facts about the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier
#4 Memorial Amphitheater – Arlington National Cemetery
I recommend strongly going early, it’s quiet, and the light is magnificent. The Memorial Amphitheater with an outstanding display of light and angles for the photographer as long as you go before noon.
#5 Robert E Lee’s Home
History: Arlington House, The Robert E. Lee Memorial
As I finish this post, I find myself at a loss for words, having a loss of words isn’t like me. No matter, how hard I try, and how many times I go to Arlington National Cemetery, Washington DC, my emotions overwhelm me. It’s as if I feel every soul here. On this day, 39 burials happened. When I arrived the flag was at full staff, and when I left, the flag was at half-staff. The guard told me, it was expected to stay at half -staff until closing. The reason for the lowered half-staff flag is because there are burials all day today. Everyone should visit these sacred grounds of Arlington National Cemetery because it teaches you about sacrifice, respect, and honor.
This post was last modified on February 21, 2017 9:03 am