National Cemetery, Phoenix Arizona
My husband and I just returned from a trip to the East Coast which included two very special events. On May 16th, we gathered with our family members at Arlington National Cemetery for a memorial service for my husband's parents, who both passed away last October. Because of space limitation, ground burial in Arlington is very restricted. The criteria for placement of ashes into a Columbarium is more liberal and is extended to all honorably discharged veterans, like my Father-in-law (a WWll veteran) and their spouses. The short service, which included an honor guard, a 21-gun salute, and taps, concluded with the placement of Dad and Mom's ashes into a niche in the Columbarium. The entire service and ceremony was extremely moving and our family was deeply touched by the honors given to Dad and Mom by our country.
Being at Arlington just two weeks before Memorial Day was an amazing experience. The beauty and sanctity of the grounds always touch me deeply. It is an honor to walk among the graves of so many men and women who served their country so nobly and who made the ultimate sacrifice to give us the freedoms we often take for granted.
When my husband and I left the DC area, we continued on to Florida to spend some time with family and to get together with several of his Marine Corps buddies and their wives. Following OCS (Officer Candidate School), these guys went through Basic School together, and served as Marine Corps officers in Vietnam. Their bond is strong and their devotion to each other is deep. What a joy it is to have the opportunity to spend time together. Semper Fidelis.
As the holiday weekend winds down, remember to say a prayer for all of those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice to give us the freedoms we cherish.
To those who are serving in our Armed Forces today and to those who have served in the past, I join a grateful nation in saying THANK YOU!
Below are some links that I thought you might find of interest.
Memorial Day History
American Widow Project
You Tube Rememberance
Buglers at Arlington National Cemetery
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