Memorial Day
It’s 3:30ish as I begin this brief paragraph or two. I want to say something about today before it’s over.
My day began early with a post to my Instagram story, a cup of tea, a walk/jog, another walk with my dog, and oatmeal. Afterwards, I began thinking about the events around town, knowing that this year, 2019, I wouldn’t be going to any of them. Actually, I don’t have a history of it being a thing with me; but a few years ago, I made it a thing… at least that year. I went to the Virginia War Memorial’s annual Memorial Day Ceremony, where they honor and remember veterans who gave their lives for our country. It was special. I sat on the grassy hill listening to speeches, then watched a procession of soldiers and a wreath laying. Music began playing – the familiar tunes of Scottish bagpipes by men dressed in kilts and other regalia.
It was a nice morning those few years ago; especially because I found my cousin David’s name on their wall representing those who died in service from the state of Virginia.
I bought the Washington D. C. Vietnam Veterans Memorial postcard during a Spring Break trip, not knowing that it would land on this website as a tribute to our veterans and to Cousin David. I found his name on this wall, too. He was 19 when he died.
On another Memorial Day of the past, I visited a county ceremony. It, too, was special. I thought about my diseased father who was a veteran, and how my brother was, simultaneously, at the cemetery expressing his love and respect.
~Anita~
To find a name of the Vietnam Memorial Wall from your computer, visit the online Virtual Wall website. In addition to names, there is so much more to browse.