My wife and I recently visited Washington, D.C. to attend the premiere of Rendezvous with Destiny, a movie produced by Citizens United and Gingrich Productions (more about the event and the movie in a subsequent post).
During the trip, we spent some time at the various war memorials. We have both been to DC many times and have seen major sites. This time we focused on Arlington Cemetery, the WWII memorial, and the Vietnam Memorial. These places really make me sad. They also make me appreciate the sacrifice that so many people take for granted.
My father is a WWII history buff. Growing up, there were many books about the period laying around the house and I probably spent more time as a kid in front of reruns of The World at War than I did watching cartoons. My grandfather fought in the South Pacific but rarely mentions it. I imagine those are some very dark memories, but I have trouble relating to them on a personal level. The best I can do is study the history.
The WWII memorial is beyond impressive and seems suitable for a conflict that cost so many lives and was so pivotal to the causes of freedom and democracy. The fact it took so many years and so many hurdles before the memorial found its rightful place on the Mall is remarkable. Thanks to those who persevered and got it built.
Arlington Cemetery is a must see. Don’t take the tour bus. Just spend a few hours walking around… thinking and appreciating.
For me, the Vietnam Memorial is by far the most moving. I am too young to know anyone who died in Vietnam (I was born during that period). While I cannot relate to the angst of that period either, there is something incredibly moving about seeing all of those names (58,195 in all) engraved on polished black granite… there are just no words! As if the moment was not sad enough, my wife asked me to consider all of the mothers, fathers, wives, children, and friends associated with each of those names…
The next time you’re in Washington, D.C., I highly recommend setting aside some time to visit the war memorials.
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February 10th, 2009 at 6:14 pm
[...] The idea that is took so many years and so many hurdles before the memorial found it rightful place in the Washington Mall is remarkable. More remarkable still are those who persevered and got it built. …More [...]