Thankful Day 10

On Sunday we went on our Veteran's Day visit to Arlington National Cemetery. This time in DC is such a short period in the big picture and it is important to us that we take the opportunity to visit Arlington often - especially on the days that honor our troops.
On Sunday's visit we spent our time just in Section 60, which is where the majority of the soldiers buried at Arlington who were killed in Iraq or Afghanistan are laid to rest. It is also where we visit two of Ben's fellow soldiers from his two deployments.

Our timing worked out so that we were actually visiting Section 60 when some representatives from the 82nd Airborne Division came to present a wreath and pay their respects. The father of a soldier killed in Afghanistan spoke at the wreath presentation. It was incredibly moving to hear him speak of all of our veterans who volunteer to continue to fight in our wars abroad to defend our freedoms and way of life.

Many of the graves in Section 60 have tokens on or near them that have been left by visitors. It is meant as a simple gesture to let them know they have been remembered. On our visit we left a star that I had painted like a flag. It was our small token of remembrance.

As Ben was sitting near Mark Paine's grave a nice man asked if Ben would like some flowers to place at the grave. He said he always tries to bring extra flowers to share with others. So along with our star we were able to leave some flowers for Mark (and shared with Ian). It was such a simple and thoughtful thing for that nice gentleman to do - I believe in the future we will try to do the same.

Parker and Daddy sitting in the grass talking about Daddy's friends.

It was a beautiful day and Riley enjoyed her first chance to explore the grass and see the trees in Section 60.

So, on our Thankful Day 10 we are Thankful to our veterans, both those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice for our country, but also those to fight and come home. We are Thankful not only today, but every day. You are always remembered.