Memorial Day

Greetings all!

Memorial Day for us was split between Arlington National Cemetery and the National Memorial Day Parade.

We started the day taking Uber to Arlington National Cemetery. The traffic going into the cemetery was really backed up, so the driver, very smartly, dropped us off at the end of the bridge rather than getting stuck in traffic. We hoofed it into the cemetery and up the hill to the amphitheater and Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. There was a long line with several switchbacks waiting to get through security at the top of the hill, but it moved steadily. Once inside, we headed to the amphitheater. I had originally thought we would stay out and watch the laying of the wreath at the tomb, but most people seemed to be inside, so we went along. When we entered, there were not many seats left,
but we found good ones in the back row straight back from the dais. The amphitheater was lined with American flags including several giant ones behind the podium.

We really didn't know what to expect and somehow did not get a program when we entered. Will asked to borrow a program from the guy sitting in front of us. He opened it up and was completely surprised to find out that President Obama was going to be speaking! We had know idea! We were so excited.

The guy we borrowed the program from had a photo and memorial on the back of his shirt, I assume of his son. His son was born one year after my son, Zachary, and died in 2007. I can't even imagine.

While waiting for the ceremony to start, the Army Band played marches and patriotic songs, so good. Then, the colors were presented with representatives from a variety of groups marching in, each with an American Flag an a flag representing their group.

A 21 gun salute signaled the arrival of President Obama in the cemetery. He first went to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier for the laying of the wreath. We could hear the playing of TAPS from where we were in the amphitheater. The President along with other dignitaries then entered the amphitheater. We got to sing the Star Spangled Banner with the President, listened to the dignitaries, then President Obama. He gave a thoughtful, moving speech honoring our veterans and told several personal stories of veterans who had recently died. One wife and 10-month-old baby were in attendance and were introduced to a standing ovation. Getting to see and hear the President more than made up for not getting White House tour tickets and getting rained out of the concert!


Once the audience was dismissed, we worked our way around to the front of the amphitheater to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. We got a good spot to watch the changing of the guard and the laying of wreaths from a variety of organization. Two school-aged children, presented a wreath made out of cut-out red, white and blue paper hands.

On hour hike back down the hill, we made a stop at the graves of President John F. Kennedy & Jacqueline Bovier Kennedy Onasis.
The memorial was covered with small flags and flowers from the many people who came to pay their respect at the Eternal Flame.

We decide to hike back to town since the traffic was so bad. We got back in time to grab a bite to eat and find a good spot to watch the Memorial Day Parade on Constitution Avenue. The parade was made up of a wide variety of military groups and a huge selection of high school bands. I had a great spot for photos right across from the Washington Memorial.

Unfortunately, about a third of the way through the parade, someone through something over the fence at
the White House, only a few blocks away. This shut everything down. Emergency vehicles were everywhere.We sat and waited about an hour before the parade started again. It is billed as the biggest Memorial Day parade in the country. I have no doubt it's true! We stayed 'til the end! :)

We grabbed some ice cream and headed back to the hotel to rest before dinner. We found a little Chinese place not to far from the hotel and had a pretty good meal, then headed back to put or feet up for the evening. Haven't done this much walking in a LONG time!

Tomorrow is a tour of the Capitol and Supreme Court! With all the excitement of Memorial Day, we had almost forgot!


See you tomorrow night!
Rich & Will