I was emailing back and forth with one of my veteran friends over the weekend, and he commented about “keeping in mind the true meaning of Memorial Day, kind of like the true meaning of Christmas.” How right he is, and how worth dedicating this week’s blog to the notion.
Everyone knows what Memorial Day is for – to remember the members of our armed forces who have died while serving our country. Because I lived in Washington, D.C. for the last five years, I was constantly aware of their sacrifice because the national monuments were close by. Now that I live in Georgia, I’m commemorating the day by attending an event hosted by the American Legion in Roswell, Georgia.
I’m keeping this blog short because you shouldn’t spend your time reading my words today. You should spend your time watching the video I am including, because it is powerful and will impress upon anyone who views it the meaning of Memorial Day.
This is a video of the changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington Cemetery. The Tomb is there to honor those who died without a grave marker, but with honor and our nation’s indebtedness. I used to visit the Tomb once a year, but now that I have moved, I’ll have to settle for this video and for memories.
The video doesn’t capture everything. If you visit D.C., I ask that you visit the Tomb to experience the changing of the guard firsthand. Walk the long, winding asphalt road to the Plaza, and see how the pansies dotting the ground bloom year-round. Read the words carved into the white marble side of the enormous tomb: “HERE RESTS IN/HONORED GLORY/AN AMERICAN/SOLDIER/KNOWN BUT TO GOD.” It’s an experience that stays with you.
I’ll leave the rest to you to watch, and to remember. And for those of you who serve or have served our country – thank you.
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