This morning, Memorial Day, my husband and I visited my parents’ grave in Arlington National Cemetery. This weekend the military places a small American flag at each of the 250,000 grave stones there. The President, of course, brings a wreath for the Tomb of the Unknown Soldiers.
It’s a privilege to be buried in one of our country’s sacred spots, especially with full military honors as my father was. The photo above is from his funeral in 2005.
I understand that Arlington is a cemetery dedicated to those who served our country. Still, it saddens me that my mother, who spent most of her adult life as a Navy wife, is listed on the reverse side of the headstone. Next year, I’ll plant a second flag in her honor.
Oh, Margaret, please do so. Her life was dedicated to our country as well, and deserves the same respect.
Lovely photos, by the way. Gives one the feel of being there, not simply a documentation.
Thanks, Melanie. The photo of the funeral was taken by Toby Marquez, a man I didn’t know until he contacted me after my father’s death, asking if he could take photos of the funeral for the family. It turned out that when he had been a sailor my dad had helped him in his career. It will interest you, Melanie, to know that Toby (like you) ended up being a professional photographer. His photographs of the funeral are a priceless gift.
It is very true that active duty military spouses should be honored and revered. Your mother and mine were full-time service members right alongside their husbands, whose successes depended, in no small part, on their work and their sacrifices, their sense of duty, honor, and great courage. Flags and flowers – next year and every year! I loved your mom very much and miss her all the time. She would be, I have no doubt, incredibly proud of you!