It was almost perfectly silent. A sound that I am not accustomed to much anymore. I closed my eyes and took a deep breath, letting the smell of just damp pavement envelope me, loving that I was hearing nothing but the pit pat of my feet. It was so perfect. So peaceful.

All of a sudden the silence was broken. I was reluctant to open my eyes, having to leave my moment, but as my ears focused in I realized what had startled me was gentle, soft sobs. I peered through the branches of the near by oak tree, past the sea of small white headstones, to see her golden hair reflecting the sun. To her right, to her left, there were white headstones as far as the eye could see. But the one where she was, the one she leaned on, that was the one that mattered to her. Her head hung down, grasping her face, no longer struggling to hold back the tears. Then, through her tear stained face she quickly glanced at me, and what I saw staring back at me took my breath away. Youth. She was no older and probably no younger than I. My heart leapt. Suddenly it felt all too real. The headstone read, “Husband, Father”. Words that broke my heart as I saw her weep. For the first time in my life, on that glorious Sunday in Arlington Cemetery, Memorial Day meant something to me.

Arlington Cemetery is beautiful. Rolling green hills, elegant graceful oaks covering each path, million dollar views of downtown DC. It is truly a breath taking place. But your eyes cannot skip over the white head stones that dot each hill, that fold around each path, that sit next to you as you admire the million dollar view. Each one of those stones has a story. Each one of those stones has someone who has wept for them.

My whole trip to DC this last Memorial Weekend felt like that moment I had in Arlington. It was full of profound moments, of tears, of thanks to veterans. I have found a whole new appreciation for my country, for our nation’s leaders, for those who fight everyday, for those who have died to give us this life and these liberties. I thank God for these moments. I thank God for our veterans.

The Capitol Buildling

Rolling Thunder (Veterans with Harleys) flaunted it's presence everywhere

Library of Congress

US Supreme Court

We spent most of Memorial Day at the Vietnam Memorial Wall. Full color guard, watching two children stand next to elderly Vietnam veterans while they say the Pledge of Allegiance and a ceremony ending in “Taps”. It couldn’t have been a more moving or more perfect day.

That big ol' White House

It was an incredible three day weekend in Washington DC. My new wide angle lens, my best girl friend (no kid or husband!), perfect DC weather and taking in some awe-inspiring sights. Thanks for letting me share this experience with you!