For attention purposes, I'm placing what should be the last paragraph in this post at the beginning.As much as I know a majority of Americans are against the current war in Iraq, I wonder if there will ever be a memorial dedicate to those who served there. While yes, not nearly as many soldiers have died as in our previous wars, I still feel as if those soldiers deserve a remembrance for their efforts, whenever it's over. And yes, although we entered the war under false pretenses, does that allow Americans to strip soldiers of their patriotism to a cause worth fighting for, and in some instance, their life? The quote at the Korean Memorial states, "Freedom is Not Free." As vague as the word "freedom" is, that statement has never resonated with me as much as it does now. The weekend was beautiful.
Having my brother here for the weekend was so much fun! It was, by far, the best weather I've experienced in D.C. I still have yet to fully recover from all the walking. Finally, I saw the war memorials- the Vietnam Memorial being my favorite. As I was trucking along, Casey was the one complaining his feet ached and wanted to take either the bus or Metro back to the apartment:) Nope, we kept walking.Saturday night I babysat Addison for the second time, and Casey tagged along too. It ended up being an easy night with the little tyke. I cooked dinner, which felt great to eat a "home-cooked meal." She went to bed fairly early, and before I knew her parents were back. By the way, I absolutely adore them and want their lives one day. They also lent me their car again....yes, I did say again! It's been forever since I posted after the first one, and after the first time I babysat, they were gracious enough to let me take the car after they got home and use it the following day. Honestly, they are the most generous people I've ever met and have made D.C. feel that much more like "home."
So, Casey and I took the car and ventured to Arlington Cemetery Sunday. To be honest, I was terrified because I hadn't driven the car except to the grocery store and back. Luckily, Google map is a lifesaver, and we made it just in time for the changing of the guards without taking any cars out. On a sidenote, Casey thought I drove like I lived in D.C. I'm not sure whether was a compliment or not. But between the Vietnam Memorial and Arlington Cemetery, they were both emotionally draining experiences. As in pictures, the headstones continue on and on. The sacrifice thousands and thousands of soldiers have given for our country should not be taken for granted.
