Arlington National Cemetery
Visiting Arlington National Cemetery is not something for the faint of heart or foolhardy. Seeing the sheer number of grave markers takes my breath away. Each marker represents someone’s father, or brother, sister, mother, husband, wife, aunt, uncle, son, daughter, friend - a memory etched in stone. A life given in service to their country.
The older I get, the more weary of this life I become. When I view these hallowed grounds something of my life is taken away. My mind sees lives disrupted; youth lost in a moment of peril and bravery and fear and sorrow. I envision the moment loved ones are brought the news of their precious sons’, daughters’, husbands’, wives’ passing…
There is everywhere in this holy place a sense of loss and pride. I leave here consoled and convicted. Consoled that these dear ones are properly remembered. Convicted that my freedom to roam these grounds was at their expense. It taxes my ability to catch my breath. Why them? Why not me?
Space is running out at Arlington. There is talk of expansion to accommodate those who are coming. Talk and rumor of war. Will there ever be enough room?
I grow weary of this life… http://nlemedia.com/Newsletter/NewsletterJune08.html
