How do you describe the sea of gravestones each representing a brave man or woman who has paid the ultimate sacrifice to protect the freedom and life we all know and enjoy in this country? How do you describe the experience of knowing that each one of the headstones represents a family that lost someone in defence of our freedoms? Buried alongside presidents are many of the most noble and honorable men and woman that have sacrificed their lives in service of our country.
On October 20th, a group of us (within our team) took a Sunday to drive up to Arlington Cemetery while we are deployed in DC working at the FEMA HQs office. Walking around the Arlington Cemetery, it is a very sobering experience. Just the sheer size of the cemetery and what it represents. Its really an experience that can never be properly described to someone who hasn't been there in person.
The sea of white headstones, each one representing a fallen soldier who has given his or her life in combat, really makes an impact on visitors to the Arlington Cemetery.
Although the experience is indescribable, this video helps to show just how many honorable American Soldiers are buried here. And this is but one group of many groups. Every headstone represents someone who left family and friends behind. Each headstone represents a fallen hero.
Walking through the cemetery, constantly surrounded by the graves of fallen soldiers who gave their lives, is an experience that everyone should have. There is the famous saying "Freedom isn't free". Only when you visit a place such as this and experience it in person for yourself, do you fully realize that it isn't simply a saying but rather a reality that is easily said but less commonly understood.
The honor at which every one of the service men and women buried at Arlington Cemetery, creates a feeling and experience that makes a lasting impression on all who fully experience it.
In the upcoming future, I hope to also post a separate post about the Changing of the Guard, an honored ceremony that happens at the Arlington Ceremony, once an hour, on the hour. Keep an eye out for the post. There are also photos from our trip to the Arlington Cemetery, now on the Photobucket (linked on the right of this blog).
More posts to come.
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