I was editing some previous shoots and luckily I saw something I missed the first time around. This is from Arlington National Cemetery. Which reminded me I haven’t been over to visit in a bit so I’m going to add that to the agenda soon.

It’s a place that evokes such emotions in me. Sometimes just thinking of it can move me to tears. I’ve had visits where I’ll just be in a good mood and happy to be going. Maybe a little tear after our conversation when I say I love them and goodbye till the next visit and a good feeling all the way home.

The other extreme is being very upset the whole time where it’s difficult to even drive there. Trying to keep it together as I go through the ID checkpoints. Sometimes sitting in the car exhausted, before I gather myself to walk there.

That is why I almost always go by myself. I never know how I’m going to react.

There were years in my life when I couldn’t even think about going. I would try to turn down the GW Parkway to go there, it was so upsetting I’d just stay on the beltway passing the exit crying. When I was working in Tysons Corner I had opportunities that I just couldn’t build up the courage to take advantage of.

That even happens to this day where I’ll make excuses where I might not get down for several months.

My father’s military funeral at a young age was the most traumatic event in my life, besides finding him dying. I can’t hear Taps, it’s just too damn upsetting, and that is why I go on Sunday mornings because they aren’t doing burials at that time.

Most of the time now it’s a mixture of both sadness and happiness when I visit. I always look at the Medal of Honor winner interned next to them and nod in thanks. Usually, a short walk after I visit with them maybe to watch the changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, or stopping by a friend’s parent’s grave to pay respects.

Anyway, that photo was A Reminder to go say thanks to them again. And to the many others they share the neighborhood with.