Deb Smouse

Yes, I know that it is only Memorial Day weekend, and not yet Memorial Day, but I have some quiet time right now…and want to post while my mind is fresh.

For many, Memorial Day is a time for BBQ and heading to the lake or simply a three-day-weekend. For others, though, it is the time to remember those that have been lost in service to our Country.

Originally called “Decoration Day”, origins are traced back to the Civil War and the activities of Southern Women decorating graves. The first official observation, though, was May 30, 1868. In 1971, Memorial Day was declared a National Holiday by Congress, who established not May 30, but the last Monday in May as the official date.

It’s odd to be home on Memorial Day weekend…as the last tow years, I have celebrated Memorial Day in DC. It felt odd to be leaving yesterday in a way.

This past week, though, I did find time to go to Arlington National Cemetery. It was a rainy day….and cool….not like my first visit to Arlington….but not unlike other visits I’ve made over the years. (photos here of my November 2007 visit). As a promise to The Pilot Guy, I visit a friend’s grave whenever I go to DC. I failed a bit this last month - and to be honest - was feeling a little guilty because I hadn’t visited since April….but I did finally get there….and was able to pause and bow my head in prayer….as I placed a model airplane on a special grave.

Pictured, though, is the grave of another man - Michael Kelly. I met his brother on a trip to Arlington last year. We were on the tram tour and passed right by his grave. I helped him and his wife get back to the grave - actually a senetaph (empty grave) of his brother (his body was never recovered). And I promised I would visit regularly in the future (the photo is from my April visit - I didn’t take my camera this week).

There are such amazing people as Hap Arnold and Pappy Boyington there….and yet their graves go unvisited and their contributions to this nation and our freedoms at times, forgotten. Arlington National Cemetery isn’t a simple tourist attraction, but an active cemetery with an average of 20 funerals per day there.

but, I digress.

It’s Memorial Day weekend and I hope that in the flurry of activities - or during your time of relaxation - you pause a moment to send a mental thanks to those who made the ultimate sacrifice.