THREW Mikes EyEz

Original Writings, Images, Video and Artworks of Mike Hartley

Category Archives: Arlington National Cemetery


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Morning with Mom and Dad

A brisk but beautiful morning. The sun was in and out of the clouds early. Which seemed to match the place I was in. One minute you had bright sun glistening off the headstones. The next a shadowy silence and the cloudy changing of the guard.

Many were paying respects.
Photo by Mike Hartley

The tour buses were mainly empty. But there were a lot of people here paying respects to loved ones and friends.

Morning Rounds to mainly empty buses.
Photo by Mike Hartley

I try to make a holiday visit every year.

Many sweeping views.
Photo by Mike Hartley

You know you can stand there and your ears hear silence or the rustling of leaves. But if you know someone here your mind is filled with voices.

Thanks to Wreaths Across America.
Photo by Mike Hartley

My Mom used to love wreaths.

Honor Guard
Photo by Mike Hartley

People were very respectful at the changing of the guard. It gals me when the Guard has to admonish someone for bad behavior.

Every once in a while the sun breaks through.
Photo by Mike Hartley

Merry Christmas Mom and Dad. As the family gathers tomorrow, look through my eyes to see the joy you have left behind. Thank you so much for all you gave me. I miss you.

Always make your parents proud.
Photo by Mike Hartley

Merry Christmas everyone.


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Don’t let the memories fade

When you are remembered fondly, memories are not forgotten. And to all those that work holiday’s. A salute from a fellow worker. And if you can squeeze in a few minutes of grill time like I hope to, then remember how lucky we all are on this Memorial Day. And if you see someone who doesn’t know or has forgotten, gently remind them.

Fading
Photo by MIke Hartley


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A morning ride

Thought’s today. Missed hugs and laughter. Missed lessons and tips. Missed wisdom and love. Jeez I miss my parents. So I went for a visit. I thought I’d beat the road closures for Rolling Thunder but NOO. That’s OK, I got in fine, a few minutes after they opened at 8am. Paid my respects to Mom and Dad and then visited another friends parents. The ride home was about double the length as normal. That’s OK, wouldn’t have missed the anniversary of Mom passing for the world.

101st Airborne Memorial outside Arlington’s gates.
Photo by Mike Hartley

Rows and rows of voices lost. So at your cookouts today and tomorrow remember those no longer with us please.

Memorial Weekend
Photo by Mike Hartley

Will be back soon for another visit Mom and Dad.

Happy Memorial Day Dad
Photo by Mike Hartley

Miss you Mom
Photo by Mike Hartley


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Wreaths Across America

I will continue to thank this organization (Wreaths Across America) and now support them with a donation in their 2017 efforts. I appreciate the work they do at many military cemeteries across the country and here at Arlington. Some of their handy work below at the USS Serpens Monument.

The USS Serpen Monument at Arlington Cemetery. Photo by Mike Hartley

The USS Serpens Monument at Arlington Cemetery.
Photo by Mike Hartley

And on the many graves on the rolling hills of Arlington.

Wreaths at Arlington. Photo by Mike Hartley

Wreaths at Arlington.
Photo by Mike Hartley

Sorry about the somber start to a Monday. I just didn’t want to forget a mention of this organization and do my part to see it continue. Like I said I’m on a mission to do more for others this coming year.


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Nice Neighbor

The headstone of James A Graham who is buried next to my Mom and Dad at Arlington. I’m honored to have such company for my parents. I hope today helps us look back and realize the sacrifice many have made. I hope it helps us look forward and guides the actions of our leaders, not waste one life.

Parents Neighbor Photo by Mike Hartley

Parents Neighbor
Photo by Mike Hartley

You can’t say it enough today. Hats off and much appreciation to those who and have served.


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Saturday Morning walk

Visited Arlington National Cemetery this morning. Well actually visited with my Mom and Dad but walked down to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier after I finished running my mouth. Saw a number of old Veterans there, most in wheelchairs. I think about my Dad when I see them. The wreath was being put out for the day by what appeared to be the Knights of Columbus.

Tomb Guard sentinel. Photo by Mike Hartley

Tomb Guard sentinel.
Photo by Mike Hartley

I was a nice ceremony and taps was played after the presentation of the wreath.

Tomb Guards Photo by Mike Hartley

Tomb Guards
Photo by Mike Hartley

I never tire of going to this spot at the Cemetery.

Wreath laying. Photo by Mike Hartley

Wreath laying.
Photo by Mike Hartley

Taps being played. I never can keep my composure during that. Brings back to many memories. That is why I usually don’t go on Saturdays to avoid seeing any services for fallen.

Taps Photo by Mike Hartley

Taps
Photo by Mike Hartley

Here’s to the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard), headquartered at Fort Myer, Va.

3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard), headquartered at Fort Myer, Va. Photo by Mike Hartley

3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard), headquartered at Fort Myer, Va.
Photo by Mike Hartley

Precision.

I'm always amazed at the precision of the Guard. Photo by Mike Hartley

I’m always amazed at the precision of the Guard.
Photo by Mike Hartley

Cut clean.

Uniform. Photo by Mike Hartley

Uniform.
Photo by Mike Hartley

At least there was a respectful crowd this morning. I’ve seen some behavior there that karma will certainly visit those individuals for payback.

So if your down today, remember, many have given much so that we can live in peace. Enjoy the day. Photo by Mike Hartley

So if your down today, remember, many have given much so that we can live in peace. Enjoy the day.
Photo by Mike Hartley

It is important for our generations and those after us to realized the importance of the sacrifice of the previous generations and show the respect and think about those things in our future actions.

Escorting one of our Veterans down the stairs. Photo by Mike Hartley

Escorting one of our Veterans down the stairs.
Photo by Mike Hartley

May everyone have a wonderful day.


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ANC

Just a few more shots from last weeks visit to Arlington National Cemetery. If you’re ever in Washington DC you should put this on your places to visit. And here is hoping that we can stop putting young men in the ground in our future. I think that some of our politicians need to be reminded of the phrase “speak softly and carry a big stick.”

Arlington National Cemetery. Photo by Mike Hartley

Arlington National Cemetery.
Photo by Mike Hartley

Arlington National Cemetery. Photo by Mike Hartley

Arlington National Cemetery.
Photo by Mike Hartley

ANC Photo by Mike Hartley

ANC
Photo by Mike Hartley

Time at ANC Photo by Mike Hartley

Time at ANC
Photo by Mike Hartley

I wonder if there are stones that are encased in trees? Photo by Mike Hartley

I wonder if there are stones that are encased in trees?
Photo by Mike Hartley

I was thinking about what I said in my initial post about not showing grieving families. And while this shot below is rather generic, it does show people at a grave site. If I’m brave enough on my next visit I’m going to try to meet someone mourning a friend or family member and see if I can get them to start telling me about them and if I could photograph them with a smile.

Remembering at ANC Photo by Mike Hartley

Remembering at ANC
Photo by Mike Hartley