Again, either I’m intoxicated with this City, or my life at this moment, or I’m so patriotic that my blood runs red, white, and blue.
I decided Sunday night to go to Arlington National Cemetery for the Memorial Day service. I arrived early, with no “luggage” since security would be crazy. (I had no clue that President Obama was speaking.) I just found it appropriate to truly honor the reason we have Memorial Day. I skipped the shuttle line and huffed it up a detoured route to the Tomb of the Unknowns. Along the way I met Pat and Craig. They work with PACER, well, maybe I have the initials wrong but they run a company which choreographs 5ks, 10ks, Marathons, and the like for charity. They have a daughter whom also works for the same company, she was not there. This couple and I had a similar walking pace and well, we had a blast together. Pat walks in Arlington Cemetery every morning for exercise from their condo, so she knew her way around. It was pretty amazing to watch and be able to distinguish the tourists, whom trample all over the graves, and the locals, whom dutifully walk around. (Factoid: Jogging, biking, etc. is illegal in Arlington; it is disrespectful.)
I think we need an animal division added to Arlington, or maybe a non-human "Arlington" (there are groups working on this).
Pat, Craig, and I parted ways when we were told that the Amphitheater had reached capacity and we could not go through security.
But, Alas! Michelle did not give up; I walked around, came back to find they were letting people through security. I was determined that today would be epic; I took the reins and made it happen. The security guard let me cut the line after I gave him my sob story.
I WAS IN!
It was not until I got the program for the day that I realized that I would soon be in the same amphitheater with President Obama, and maybe, just maybe the First Lady.
So, I just read the transcript of the President’s speech at Arlington Cemetery today. (I listened but you can only catch so much between a panting service dog on your left and an elderly woman, who cannot handle the heat, nor can she stand for 4 hours straight, on your right.)
I am remorseful that I have spent my adult life with the view of Memorial Day as a day off of work, a day to drink, to cook out. I may have done a facebook update “thanking” those that serve; however, this "tribute" is laughable. And I am calling myself out here. I did not understand Memorial Day until today. Until I, as an adult, walked past a wall of 58,272 names from 1959-1975 that perished, or were never located during Vietnam.
Or the Stars at the WWII Memorial that signified 400,000 lives. 4,000 stars total. Or, the distinct line in the Washington Monument, marking where construction ceased until the Civil War ended. Or, the discussion with Steve, my tour guide, about Gettysburg. A three day battle with 51,112 lives lost. (No, we did not remember the exact number; however, Steve knew it was 50,000. Close enough for me.)
Memorial Day has been forever changed for me. Memorial Day is an honor, a rite. Not just a day off of work, or an excuse to drink coldbeers on a boat. It’s a day to honor all those lives that have secured and continued to secure our liberties. Lives that we do not even know existed; lives that made a difference. Lives that should be honored.
I should mention, here, that Westborough Baptist Church had a protest at Arlington Cemetery today. They were strong with 3 people and a shitty ass boombox (Mom, yes, I used a bad word, stop it, its fine). The masses passed them, for the most part, without even a glance; there was a “protest” to Westborough’s protest across the street. And a group of heavy ass American flag pole carrying veteran volunteers who stood in front of Westborough. I respect the right to free speech. I respect what Westborough has to say. Agree, or disagree; I respect everything our Country stands for. Westborough being part of that Great Country. However, the fact that few cared what they had to say was nice. The fact that I can go and see, and hear our President, all politics aside, is amazing.
Imagine a nation where your leader is locked away, or forbids you to criticize him. Yeah, we live in a great place, with all its faults and terrible, horrible, horrendous things that occur; we live in a great nation. We have a great man at our helm. We have a lot of great liberties.
Oh, geez, I’m out of wine, and have been typing for a solid hour. This day may take me a moment to put into tangible form, as I have not even mentioned Steve yet. Steve made my day, literally. Steve, I owe you so much. I hope our friendship continues for a long, long time.
Steve, the most wonderful man from L.A., who lives in Georgetown; you are a gem. Steve and I met at the Arlington Amphitheater. I was taking a self portrait and explaining to the girls next to me that I needed to take it to fulfill my blog expectations. (I did take them up on the offer and the picture they took was much better, however, I need to capture myself in these moments. To remind myself in the future that “yes, that was me. That was my life. I made THAT happen.”)
As the Arlington Ceremony was closing Steve asked me for my blog information, since he was curious of other’s take on the City. He has lived here for 10 years and has this place dialed in, seriously, dialed in. He went to graduate school at Georgetown and now works a stone’s throw from the National Mall. We struck up a conversation since I had no desire to ride the shuttle to the front of the Cemetery and preferred to walk; Steve was game. After all, he was on his bike and I was envious that I had taken the Metro rather than pedaled around DC.
Steve pushed his bike all around the National Mall, across the Potomac, just to show me around and give me an insider’s view of D.C. on such a Great Day. We paid nothing for our experience except for our time, a bottle of water, frozen lemonade, and a snowcone. However, I learned so much.
We walked across the river from Arlington to the Lincoln Memorial. Steve and I talked about boats and bikes, and bike trails, and D.C., and how Georgetown was NOT GW (tourist exposed!). We locked his bike up and ventured to the Lincoln Memorial. Steve knew all the cool spots and knew all the myths.
He pointed out typos at the Lincoln Memorial. (And informed me of typos at the Jefferson Memorial).
Steve told me about the significance of little things that you get on all the tours that take hours. The number of pillars, or the 19 Soldiers at the Korean War Memorial, or how the Vietnam Wall was designed. He was so patient and willing to chat. I learned of a bike tour that I’m certain we will venture on together.
The Korean Memorial was neato mosquito. The 19 soldiers signify each branch of the military, and upon reflection, you get more than you bargained for, literally.
It was invigorating to see the flowers everywhere, literally, everywhere you went, flowers. Memorial Day – it is a Memorial, whether we memorialize the lives from our homes, boats, decks, or D.C., we should meditate on all the lives put into this nation.
Steve and I marched over to the Wall. We listened for a moment at the Vietnam Wall for the ceremony of reading the 58,262 names. But quickly decided to move on, I’m not sure who was leading, or who was following; we just went. I was willing; Steve was willing. We stopped at the Nurse’s Memorial briefly and continued to walk. Steve imparting his knowledge on me with the only stipulation that I do the same for someone in the future.
Founder’s Island, yeah, I love it. It’s not highly traveled but in the middle of it all. The Weeping Willows are lovely. It’s so quaint and usually overlooked. It is an island that stands as a memorial to those who drafted and signed the Declaration of Independence.
So we walked.
Washington Monument. Steve made his jokes, and we walked around for him to show me where a miniature Washington Monument is under a manhole. It’s an exact replica, just in the ground. Also, the Washington Monument’s original cornerstone is elsewhere. Yeah, cool, eh? Thanks, Steve! (The original monument could not be built in its original location because the ground was too soft.)
WWII Memorial was not as awe inspiring as the past few. You can’t deny a wall of names, or seeing life-size soldiers. However, I paid my honor. After all it’s Memorial Day. I can remember a life I don’t know.
So we walked all the way around the White House. The North Lawn is way closer, and honestly, the Vice President has the hook-up. Second in line, and a way bigger pad!
Steve had already professed that he was not a parade person, and honestly neither am I, however, the magic of this day made me want to see the Parade. I felt I still needed to honor the lives that had given me all I know. Given me the ability to be a woman, in law school, that can vote, that can express her opinion. That can own property. A woman that has power in a nation that allows for all these freedoms. A nation that wants to me to succeed; that needs me to succeed.
Listen. The tide has turned for me.
We watched for a moment. And began our trek back to the Lincoln Memorial. Steve’s bike was parked there. I took advantage of our second passing of the Lincoln Memorial and asked a couple from L.A. to take a photo. Just know, today was epic.
Today, I forgot that I took a bus home; today I forgot that the Metro scared me; today I forgot how caddy life/law school/work is; today I remembered and memorialized all those who have sacrificed so much, who have given so much, so I can be me, so I can be who I want. Today, I thought on all the great souls that make this nation. Today, Memorial Day 2011, the tide changed for Michelle.
Today, I gave all my positive thoughts and energy to those that gave it all, to those that do what most can’t, put it all on the line. Not to be a hero, not be remembered, but because they do for so many reasons, reasons we don’t need to know. Reasons that make every person who protects this nation a hero.
The Idea of You
Bus stop dreamer
The late night
There's something moving
DMB
"The true lesson of Arlington is that each headstone is that of a patriot. Each headstone shares a story.” --Paul Tarbox, as quoted by President Obama
I decided Sunday night to go to Arlington National Cemetery for the Memorial Day service. I arrived early, with no “luggage” since security would be crazy. (I had no clue that President Obama was speaking.) I just found it appropriate to truly honor the reason we have Memorial Day. I skipped the shuttle line and huffed it up a detoured route to the Tomb of the Unknowns. Along the way I met Pat and Craig. They work with PACER, well, maybe I have the initials wrong but they run a company which choreographs 5ks, 10ks, Marathons, and the like for charity. They have a daughter whom also works for the same company, she was not there. This couple and I had a similar walking pace and well, we had a blast together. Pat walks in Arlington Cemetery every morning for exercise from their condo, so she knew her way around. It was pretty amazing to watch and be able to distinguish the tourists, whom trample all over the graves, and the locals, whom dutifully walk around. (Factoid: Jogging, biking, etc. is illegal in Arlington; it is disrespectful.)
I think we need an animal division added to Arlington, or maybe a non-human "Arlington" (there are groups working on this).
Pat, Craig, and I parted ways when we were told that the Amphitheater had reached capacity and we could not go through security.
But, Alas! Michelle did not give up; I walked around, came back to find they were letting people through security. I was determined that today would be epic; I took the reins and made it happen. The security guard let me cut the line after I gave him my sob story.
I WAS IN!
It was not until I got the program for the day that I realized that I would soon be in the same amphitheater with President Obama, and maybe, just maybe the First Lady.
“We remember that the blessings we enjoy as Americans came at a dear cost; that our very presence here today, as free people in a free society, bears testimony to their enduring legacy.” President Obama
So, I just read the transcript of the President’s speech at Arlington Cemetery today. (I listened but you can only catch so much between a panting service dog on your left and an elderly woman, who cannot handle the heat, nor can she stand for 4 hours straight, on your right.)
“That's what we memorialize today. That spirit that says, send me, no matter the mission. Send me, no matter the risk. Send me, no matter how great the sacrifice I am called to make. The patriots we memorialize today sacrificed not only all they had but all they would ever know. They gave of themselves until they had nothing more to give.” President Obama
I am remorseful that I have spent my adult life with the view of Memorial Day as a day off of work, a day to drink, to cook out. I may have done a facebook update “thanking” those that serve; however, this "tribute" is laughable. And I am calling myself out here. I did not understand Memorial Day until today. Until I, as an adult, walked past a wall of 58,272 names from 1959-1975 that perished, or were never located during Vietnam.
Or the Stars at the WWII Memorial that signified 400,000 lives. 4,000 stars total. Or, the distinct line in the Washington Monument, marking where construction ceased until the Civil War ended. Or, the discussion with Steve, my tour guide, about Gettysburg. A three day battle with 51,112 lives lost. (No, we did not remember the exact number; however, Steve knew it was 50,000. Close enough for me.)
“We memorialize our first patriots -- blacksmiths and farmers, slaves and freedmen -- who never knew the independence they won with their lives. We memorialize the armies of men, and women disguised as men, black and white, who fell in apple orchards and cornfields in a war that saved our union. We memorialize those who gave their lives on the battlefields of our times -- from Normandy to Manila, Inchon to Khe Sanh, Baghdad to Helmand, and in jungles, deserts, and city streets around the world.” President Obama
Memorial Day has been forever changed for me. Memorial Day is an honor, a rite. Not just a day off of work, or an excuse to drink coldbeers on a boat. It’s a day to honor all those lives that have secured and continued to secure our liberties. Lives that we do not even know existed; lives that made a difference. Lives that should be honored.
I should mention, here, that Westborough Baptist Church had a protest at Arlington Cemetery today. They were strong with 3 people and a shitty ass boombox (Mom, yes, I used a bad word, stop it, its fine). The masses passed them, for the most part, without even a glance; there was a “protest” to Westborough’s protest across the street. And a group of heavy ass American flag pole carrying veteran volunteers who stood in front of Westborough. I respect the right to free speech. I respect what Westborough has to say. Agree, or disagree; I respect everything our Country stands for. Westborough being part of that Great Country. However, the fact that few cared what they had to say was nice. The fact that I can go and see, and hear our President, all politics aside, is amazing.
Imagine a nation where your leader is locked away, or forbids you to criticize him. Yeah, we live in a great place, with all its faults and terrible, horrible, horrendous things that occur; we live in a great nation. We have a great man at our helm. We have a lot of great liberties.
Oh, geez, I’m out of wine, and have been typing for a solid hour. This day may take me a moment to put into tangible form, as I have not even mentioned Steve yet. Steve made my day, literally. Steve, I owe you so much. I hope our friendship continues for a long, long time.
Steve, the most wonderful man from L.A., who lives in Georgetown; you are a gem. Steve and I met at the Arlington Amphitheater. I was taking a self portrait and explaining to the girls next to me that I needed to take it to fulfill my blog expectations. (I did take them up on the offer and the picture they took was much better, however, I need to capture myself in these moments. To remind myself in the future that “yes, that was me. That was my life. I made THAT happen.”)
As the Arlington Ceremony was closing Steve asked me for my blog information, since he was curious of other’s take on the City. He has lived here for 10 years and has this place dialed in, seriously, dialed in. He went to graduate school at Georgetown and now works a stone’s throw from the National Mall. We struck up a conversation since I had no desire to ride the shuttle to the front of the Cemetery and preferred to walk; Steve was game. After all, he was on his bike and I was envious that I had taken the Metro rather than pedaled around DC.
Steve pushed his bike all around the National Mall, across the Potomac, just to show me around and give me an insider’s view of D.C. on such a Great Day. We paid nothing for our experience except for our time, a bottle of water, frozen lemonade, and a snowcone. However, I learned so much.
We walked across the river from Arlington to the Lincoln Memorial. Steve and I talked about boats and bikes, and bike trails, and D.C., and how Georgetown was NOT GW (tourist exposed!). We locked his bike up and ventured to the Lincoln Memorial. Steve knew all the cool spots and knew all the myths.
He pointed out typos at the Lincoln Memorial. (And informed me of typos at the Jefferson Memorial).
Steve told me about the significance of little things that you get on all the tours that take hours. The number of pillars, or the 19 Soldiers at the Korean War Memorial, or how the Vietnam Wall was designed. He was so patient and willing to chat. I learned of a bike tour that I’m certain we will venture on together.
The Korean Memorial was neato mosquito. The 19 soldiers signify each branch of the military, and upon reflection, you get more than you bargained for, literally.
It was invigorating to see the flowers everywhere, literally, everywhere you went, flowers. Memorial Day – it is a Memorial, whether we memorialize the lives from our homes, boats, decks, or D.C., we should meditate on all the lives put into this nation.
Steve and I marched over to the Wall. We listened for a moment at the Vietnam Wall for the ceremony of reading the 58,262 names. But quickly decided to move on, I’m not sure who was leading, or who was following; we just went. I was willing; Steve was willing. We stopped at the Nurse’s Memorial briefly and continued to walk. Steve imparting his knowledge on me with the only stipulation that I do the same for someone in the future.
Founder’s Island, yeah, I love it. It’s not highly traveled but in the middle of it all. The Weeping Willows are lovely. It’s so quaint and usually overlooked. It is an island that stands as a memorial to those who drafted and signed the Declaration of Independence.
So we walked.
Washington Monument. Steve made his jokes, and we walked around for him to show me where a miniature Washington Monument is under a manhole. It’s an exact replica, just in the ground. Also, the Washington Monument’s original cornerstone is elsewhere. Yeah, cool, eh? Thanks, Steve! (The original monument could not be built in its original location because the ground was too soft.)
WWII Memorial was not as awe inspiring as the past few. You can’t deny a wall of names, or seeing life-size soldiers. However, I paid my honor. After all it’s Memorial Day. I can remember a life I don’t know.
So we walked all the way around the White House. The North Lawn is way closer, and honestly, the Vice President has the hook-up. Second in line, and a way bigger pad!
Steve had already professed that he was not a parade person, and honestly neither am I, however, the magic of this day made me want to see the Parade. I felt I still needed to honor the lives that had given me all I know. Given me the ability to be a woman, in law school, that can vote, that can express her opinion. That can own property. A woman that has power in a nation that allows for all these freedoms. A nation that wants to me to succeed; that needs me to succeed.
Listen. The tide has turned for me.
We watched for a moment. And began our trek back to the Lincoln Memorial. Steve’s bike was parked there. I took advantage of our second passing of the Lincoln Memorial and asked a couple from L.A. to take a photo. Just know, today was epic.
Today, I forgot that I took a bus home; today I forgot that the Metro scared me; today I forgot how caddy life/law school/work is; today I remembered and memorialized all those who have sacrificed so much, who have given so much, so I can be me, so I can be who I want. Today, I thought on all the great souls that make this nation. Today, Memorial Day 2011, the tide changed for Michelle.
Today, I gave all my positive thoughts and energy to those that gave it all, to those that do what most can’t, put it all on the line. Not to be a hero, not be remembered, but because they do for so many reasons, reasons we don’t need to know. Reasons that make every person who protects this nation a hero.
The Idea of You
Bus stop dreamer
The late night
There's something moving
DMB
I think this is my favorite post to date. I must be honest that I chucked when I read "coldbeers," as I will likely never read that on an exam again. I admire your ability to strike up conversations/relationships with random people. I need to learn to be better about that, as it is clear that you had some amazing experiences on this day due to the kindness of strangers.
ReplyDeleteWhat a fabulous Memorial Day!! I see you met my friend Steven too :) Interesting write-up. Good luck with your blog.
ReplyDelete