Remembering those who sacrificed for our country and praying for those who are serving our country now in harms way.
“Arlington, this place of so many memories, is a fitting place for some remembering. So many wonderful men and women rest here, men and women who led colorful, vivid, and passionate lives.” ~ Ronald Reagan
“All of these men were different, but they shared this in common: They loved America very much. There was nothing they wouldn’t do for her. And they loved with the sureness of the young. It’s hard not to think of the young in a place like this, for it’s the young who do the fighting and dying when a peace fails and a war begins.” ~ President Ronald Reagan
“Today is the day we put aside to remember fallen heroes and to pray that no heroes will ever have to die for us again. It’s a day of thanks for the valor of others, a day to remember the splendor of America and those of her children who rest in this cemetery and others. It’s a day to be with the family and remember.” President Ronald Reagan
This next photo is not from the Arlington National Cemetery but one I took at a traveling replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in D.C.
“The monument was created as a service to those who might never travel to the nation’s capital to experience the Vietnam Veterans Memorial firsthand,” said Donna Wagner, director of Dignity Memorial providers in Seattle. “Our replica offers visitors a chance for healing and reflections, and we are very pleased to be able to share it with the community.” ~ Donna Wagner
Another quote from President Ronald Reagan ~ May 25, 2009
“I know that many veterans of Vietnam will gather today, some of them perhaps by the wall. And they’re still helping each other on. They were quite a group, the boys of Vietnam — boys who fought a terrible and vicious war without enough support from home, boys who were dodging bullets while we debated the efficacy of the battle. It was often our poor who fought in that war; it was the unpampered boys of the working class who picked up the rifles and went on the march. They learned not to rely on us; they learned to rely on each other. And they were special in another way: They chose to be faithful. They chose to reject the fashionable skepticism of their time. They chose to believe and answer the call of duty. They had the wild, wild courage of youth. They seized certainty from the heart of an ambivalent age; they stood for something.
Tomb of the Unknown Soldier
Prayers are always in our hearts and minds for our Son-in-law Andrew serving with the Marines!
We’re flying the flags for you Andrew!
Semper Fi!
Photobucket replaced all my photos with blurred out versions and they are holding my photos hostage until I pay them lots of money. I’m slowly going through all my posts and trying to clean them up and replacing some photos. Such a bother.
The Happy Wonderer ~ ellen b. 
What a wonderful post to commemorate the day. Arlington is always an emotional place to visit for me. Roomie was there not that long ago (5/20). Praying for your SIL and others serving with him.
What a meaningful post for your Memorial Day! May the Lord protect and keep your son-in-law and all those who serve their country!
What a beautiful post, Ellen! The Tomb of the Unknown Soldiers always move me. Thanks also for sharing the Reagan quotes – what a communicator he was!
The quotes were so moving to read, Ellen. I pray that your son-in-law will come safely home to his loving wife and family. God bless him.
Thank you for this beautiful post with so many wonderful photos. God bless.
I appreciate the pictures, the quotes, and your thoughtfulness in putting this remembrance together. I believe we must celebrate Memorial Day, and not forget what it’s about.
I look so young…
Have I ever told ya how much I appreciate your posts?
Semper Fi
Thank you Andrew…
Love you and we’re all praying for you and your unit…
Semper Fi!
I don’t know who wrote Regan’s speeches..perhaps he did…but I am always so touched by them. We definitely add our prayers to yours for Andrew! Our youngest has been to D.C. twice and each time is so taken by the ceremonial changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknown soldier. Andrew WE APPRECIATE YOU! Prayers for your safety!
Poignant pictures, Ellen, particularly that of your son-in-law. Thanks for sharing. Have a meaningful Memorial Day!
A beautiful and appropriate post for today! Thinking of Andrew in a special way.
Amen to that! This is a touching post for Memorial Day, Ellen.
Fantastic post and wonderful shots. My only regret is that I couldn’t find the pictures of my great uncle’s name on the wall at the Hawaii WWII Memorial to add to my post!
Have a beautiful day.
A day like this has so much meaning attached to it when it’s not just rmembering the past, but also the present. Thinking about your Andrew and praying for his safe return.
President Reagan truly understood what he spoke. I tear up when ever I see memorials to our fallen, even little statues and places in public spaces with the names of those who die that were sent from the town or community. There is a Memorial here for the four brothers who died fighting in World War II. The fifth brother was at Camp Lejuene and was allowed to return home safely.
Note to Andrew: What aged you more: being in the Military or being married?
I hope that’s not a crack about me being 3 1/3 years older than him! 😉 Hahahaha!
I think being airbrushed in that picture is what makes me look so young 😛 that and I’ve been in the field for the last year so I’m a lil beat up these days. Suppose I won’t be looking any younger when I get back from deployment.
As for being married, that is nothing but an absolute joy and I will probably have premature wrinkles from smiling 🙂
I love your passion for supporting the men and women who serve your country so well. I’m hear a day late, but will pray again today for your Andrew. I read the comments and saw his touching comment to you…..he is blessed to have you as his mom in law. I’m sure your posts give him a longed for view into your family life that he shares from a far. Praying for his sweet Katie too.
Such a handsome son in law in uniform. He is indeed blessed and so are you to have such a fine man in your family. Katie. ..Love the response. I wouldn’t have known that. .you look like such a young lass yourself.
We never made it to Arlington when we were in DC. Bill was stationed just outside of the city at FT Belvoir before we were married and he went into the city every chance he got.
This is a perfect post for today and very touching. We too will pary for Andrew.
Katie…what ever you are doing, Andrew seems awfully happy about it! To the degree that he is willing to gain the (slightly) aging smile lines because of it.
Atta girl!
(Camp Pendelton area bumpersticker: “If you thought us Marines were tough, just wait ’til you meet our girls!” Hoo-rah!)
Our thoughts and prayers to the men and women who lost their lives defending our freedom. We include their families especially the young children whom they left behind.
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