This morning, I have seen something that touched me...it was something about a place...that I know most of you have never been, but you've heard of. Arlington National Cemetary. For those of you that don't know what it is, it's a national cemetary where our soldiers, and presidents are laid to rest. This is a beautiful place, there is a tomb there, it's of the unknown soldiers. This beautiful peice of land, and the tomb is guarded 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year, by soldiers of the 3rd infantry division. These soldiers are the example of what it's like to be the 'best of the best'. These soldiers walk this little peice of earth, and never mutter a word, or bitch because it's too cold, or it's too hot, or it's raining, or snowing, or whatever. They do this honor and never complain. Since the tomb has been there, it has never went unguarded...there was a hurricane that blew through the DC area, the guards were told that they did not have to guard the tomb during this time. But do you think that stopped them? No, they carried out their duty like the true soldiers they are. They did not want to 'abandon' post because of a little rain. These soldiers are the truest example of AMERICAN citizens. I honestly think that there isn't a better group out there.
Arlington is a place that soldiers who have died in combat are laid to rest. They are given a headstone that tells what religion they are, their name, branch, rank, and what awards were won. Most of these brave men and women have a BRONZE STAR and a PURPLE HEART. One is given for bravery, the other for being wounded. However if they were alive I'm almost willing to bet that they wouldn't call themselves heros, so I will. Each and every soldier that's laid to rest in Arlington is a HERO, no matter what you may think, or what you may want to think, they died protecting and defending this great nation, and anyone that dies in the line of duty protecting my freedoms is a HERO. So as you read this, there's one person you can think, a teacher....however, the other person that you should thank is a soldier, for allowing you have the very freedom for which some of you take for granted every day. I know that these brave HEROS died so that I could be given the rights that are granted to me in the BILL of RIGHTS, and in the CONSTITUTION. I will never forget those that have paid the price, or that have been wounded and lived, but are missing a leg, or an arm, or anything else that would impair them. Because of them, I am able to write this, worship how I see fit, to get on line, to have the freedom of press, and the right to voice my opinion. There are many places that aren't as lucky as we are, so don't ever forget that or freedoms were paid for in blood of the innocent, and blood of the brave. I know that I will never forget these brave men and women, as they come home in flag draped coffins, carried with the highest respect, to a truely greatful nation they are laid to rest here, on this plot of land, to join their other brothers and sisters that also gave their lives just as they did. I salute those brave men and women that served before me, with me, and after me, I salute those that didn't make it home, I salute those that paid the price, with their life, but most of all I salute those that gave all they had to give. For without them we would no longer be free, my thoughts, and heartfelt words go out to the families of these HEROS, to the friends, the family, and the loved ones of these HEROS, because we are a nation, and no matter what happens, we will always rise above it, and better because of it. These brave men and women gave all they had to support our freedoms, and it is only now...that they have seen the end of the war. I will leave you with the quote of Plato, 'Only the dead have seen the end of the war.' --Plato
