Thank you to veterans and their families. You've given more to us and for us than we could ever repay or appropriately recognize.
Standing at the Iwo Jima Memorial early this evening, I looked at the motto "Semper Fidelis." Is there a more serious or noble statement of purpose? Despite popular conceits and confusions born of postmodernism and other ills, this clearly means a lot more than being "faithful" to a concept of self, as the Marine Corp and our other armed services have shown more than anyone else through unmatched vigilance, courage and sacrifice.
Klara and I went down to Arlington National Cemetary early this evening. Beginning at Iwo Jima, we walked across the grounds to the Memorial Bridge entrance. After running across the bridge, past the Kennedy Center, through Georgetown and back across Key bridge, we looped back to Iwo Jima. We parked the stroller under a tall tree, and Klara headed off to explore. Brimming with curiousity and glee, she tried to hug and then climb a tree, sprawled in the green grass, ran around, collected leaves and sticks and the like.
You can see some of the above-mentioned in the photos, including (for perspective) a distant view of a few of the monuments across the river.
2 comments:
i love your writing as much as i love the last picture of klara laying in the grass.
i'm ashamed to admit that i didn't stop to think about the meaning of memorial day until 11pm, when i turned on the tv and it was a documentary called 'alive day' which told the stories of a handful of young men and women who survived exlosions in iraq. after that was 'baghdad er'
thank you to all of our brave men and women who serve to protect our freedoms.
give klara kisses from her aunt cari!
love love love,
cb
Marshall, I also love your writing and your heartfelt comments about our military and their families and loved ones, past and present, who give and have given their lives for our freedoms and for the "take for granted" quality of life we enjoy in this great nation! Thank you vets! Thank you all who currently serve....I am so grateful!
As for that adorable little granddaughter of mine........well what can I say? She is precious!! And she IS enjoying the freedoms with which we are blessed! Great shots.
Just returned from Nan's funeral and many sent their love. The cathedral was standing room only.
LOVE TO YOU ALL, EMILY, KLARA & MARSHALL!
g.a.
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