This is for those of you whom may have never seen this. In person, If you are a patriot, "You will cry"!!! These are the men who protect our men and women at the grave of the unknown soldier. I was very lucky to see this in person. These men who do this are "Volunteers" But are active duty and they are Hand picked. It is an honor, to be selected to this prestigious position. They are Inspected every single day and if you witness, the Sargent Inspects them and their service rifle before they can be relieved. These men and women are out there always. The Sentinels of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier stand watch 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, in any weather. This it what freedom is!!! This is real and not a show, I hope this puts a warm feel in your heart knowing we are Americans!
If you’re going somewhere to celebrate or heading to the beach, remember those that never left this beach. Also read my avatar.
It is a very sobering holiday. I spent much of my day looking at websites I belong to which have fellow Viet Nam vets on. There were way too many postings with names and pictures of our fallen brothers. For so many of us there is a guilt feeling of why we came back and they did not. There doesn't seem to be any good answers. I've gone over and over it. Not rationalization brings answers. It is they way it turned out. To my fallen brothers, Rest in Peace. Your sacrifices are not forgotten. To their families, live in their light. To my surviving brothers, Hang in there. You have value, much more than you will ever know.
Well said savemoney . There isn't a day that goes by that I don't think of my best man. He was killed in Nam and our second son is named after him.
Thank you to all those that paid the ultimate sacrifice.... so that we can have the freedoms that we have today...
YouTube has a few videos of Arlington National Cemetery that are worth a look. A lot goes on behind the scenes and the Old Guard is really something else. I was very fortunate during our eighth grade class trip to be part of the ceremony carrying the wreath to the tomb. Being a young kid at the time, it was an honor, but I did not understand how deep a National treasure and symbol it was. It is still a great memory. I have the certificate from Arlington in safe keeping.
While working in the emergency room at Walter Reed Army Hospital in DC, I had a chance to talk with some of those soldiers who guard the tomb. Talk about extremes in uniformities. They are all within a close range of height and weight. etc. Clothing is proper fitting, pressed and proper shine to the cap and shoes. Very demanding to be able to stand guard like concrete statues.
Social distancing be dammed. I will visit friends and family at the cemetery today. My dad and i have had brunch and then went to the cemetery for many years. Today he was not up to it. I will still go but it will be much harder.
Listen to podcast of Dan Grenshaw, Congressman of Texas. One of his Harvard professors announced to class day one “please try not to offend; and try harder to not be offended “
