We took the metro down to Arlington and walked over to the cemetery. Patience was in order, since so many people had the same idea. After waiting 20 minutes before moving a foot on a metro platform, I decided to catch the metro down a stop, switch lines, and then come back. Lauren thought I was crazy, and going the wrong way, but that saved us quite a bit of time. We had to stand in a long line to get out of the metro, but then we were able to spread out in the cemetery, and Lauren did a great job.
Once we got inside, we began talking about the soldiers who either died while serving in the military or went on to live long lives and were honored by being buried there.
It did not take long before we found a truck full of wreaths. We were only allowed one per person, so we took the offered wreaths and walked around a bit. We read out names, looked at where the soldiers were from, and the dates the soldiers were born/died. When the name felt right, we stopped and placed our wreaths.
Then we went back to the truck and grabbed another round of wreaths. It was so nice to walk through that beautiful cemetery and watch the other volunteers. There were school aged children, eager to help in any way they could. There were families, with tears in their eyes, honoring a fallen
family member. And there were grandparents/parents with smiles on their faces, as they watched their own children/grandchildren volunteering and saying "Thank You"! It was both solemn and joyous. There was crying and laughter. So many emotions and people, and I am so happy that I could share that moment with my own daughter!!
Sometimes it is the simple act that brings the most joy, satisfaction, and thanks. Spending the morning with Lauren, walking around, talking about history, and taking a moment to say "Thank You. We will always remember", was such a small moment in time, and yet a moment I will never forget!
No comments:
Post a Comment