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
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
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 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
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.
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
You can’t say it enough today. Hats off and much appreciation to those who and have served.
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
I was a nice ceremony and taps was played after the presentation of the wreath.
Tomb Guards
Photo by Mike Hartley
I never tire of going to this spot at the Cemetery.
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
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
Precision.
I’m always amazed at the precision of the Guard.
Photo by Mike Hartley
Cut clean.
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
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
May everyone have a wonderful day.
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
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 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 our freedom we have today that you worked so hard for in your lives. Your children and grandchildren thank you.
Photo by Mike Hartley
