At Arlington: A Tribute to Our Military Who Gave Their All

Mel Smith (Poem); rlmorel (Photo and compositing) | November 11, 2006 | Mel Smith (Poem); rlmorel (Photo and compositing)

[rlmorel]

I took this photo back in November 2000 as I was in Arlington National Cemetery to bury my father, a 30 year veteran of the US Navy. A freeper (whose real name appears on the poem he wrote) asked if I could overlay his beautiful tribute to our fallen military on the photo. I was delighted to do so...the poem was beautifully written and fit so well. The photo was somewhat of an accident (I am a decent photographer, but believe in the process of taking 100 pictures to find just one decent one)

In any case, here is a tribute I hold in my heart the year round, to be shown on this special day.

(BTW.. I know it is to be observed on Monday, but...I disagree with that sentiment. It will always be November 11th to me, and I am not going to observe it on Mondays just so a bunch of people who don't give a crap can find time to shop at the mall...)

[freema]

Ping

[PROCON]

Thank you so much for this poignant post, what a special man your father was and thank YOU for your service to our country.

[weeder]

Your beautiful work is very much appreciated. Thank you and God Bless you.

[Ciexyz]

On this eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month, we remember with humble gratitude those brave souls who gave their all for our nation.

[rlmorel]

That beautiful poem by Mel Smith still brings a tear to my eye...especially the last two lines. He is a freeper, but I has never told me I can reveal his FR name.

[Daffynition]

Lovely lovely tribute. Thank you for posting it on this Special Day of remembrance.

If you're ever around Arlington to see the Marines placing flags, it's quite awe inspiring. We have three family members laid to rest at Arlington. It's hard to say what is more moving, The Wall or Arlington.

[rlmorel]

I have heard there are people in France who live on the very ground soaked with the blood of hundreds of thousands of men from the battles of the First World War...and have no idea.

I suppose that would be true in some places here as well...sadly.

[Red_Devil 232]

A good video of an interview by Cris Wallace Fox News 2006

Guarding The Tomb Of The Unknown Solider

[cmsgop]

Very touching post,thank you

[Ciexyz]

There aren't too many people left who lived the days of the Great War. There's one lady in my area, Mrs. Agnes Wetzel, who just celebrated her 108th birthday. Our local Pittsburgh papers published a photo of her holding a framed photo of her deceased hubby, a WW I vet. (Sorry I'm unable to post the photo with my Net access.)

[oh8eleven]

I live in western NY, but listen to a Canadian classical music station. Today, at 11am, they had a school girl read the poem below,
then they played a mournful bugle call, followed by a full minute of silence. I was damned near brought to tears .....

In Flanders Fields
By: Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae, MD (1872-1918)
Canadian Army

IN FLANDERS FIELDS the poppies blow
Between the crosses row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.

Semper Fi ...

[rlmorel]

The Freeper who composed that touching poem is fish hawk. Please let him know how much you like it...

[A.A. Cunningham]

Post-Gazette

Today is Agnes Wetzel's 108th birthday. Her late husband, Lemuel R. Wetzel, in photo at right, served with the Signal Corps in the National Guard's 28th Division in World War I.

At 108, she has memories as bittersweet as dark chocolate

[VOA]

“At Arlington: A Tribute to Our Military Who Gave Their All”

Personally, I highly recommend the DVD listed below (even if PBS
was involved!).

It’s been a couple of years since I saw it, but the notable highlights (for me):

1. A group of normal (chatty) teenagers ending up silent and transfixed
when watching the silent guards pacing off their steps
2. The care and dedication of the silent guards; including the board
that lists all the guards that have served. Except for the few
that have had been REMOVED when they soiled their reputation
later in life (definitely a tough group!).
3. The volunteers (IIRC, “The Arlington Ladies”) that assist the
families of the departed veteran; including a ready ear and shoulder
to cry on, especially for the occassional solitary spouse at graveside.

4. Viewers are advised to keep tissues handy in case they get misty
watching this DVD.

National Geographic: Arlington - Field of Honor
http://www.amazon.com/National-Geographic-Arlington-Field-Honor/dp/B0007QS31U/ref=sr_1_1/103-7446238-9009410?ie=UTF8&s=dvd&qid=1194801266&sr=1-1

[trooprally]

Most excellent post and foto. I’m proud to call you a friend. God Bless your Dad for his service and your whole family for their support of our troops.

[Mr] T

[rlmorel]

The feeling is most certainly mutual, TR...the feeling is mutual!

(Hopefully we will see you at WR on 12/28/07...:)