Tomb of the Unknown Soldier

One of the things Delaney wanted to see before he went to the leadership conference was the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington. I'd talked about it, saying that I remembered it from when I saw the changing of the guard in high school, and I think it excited him. It was definitely one of those moments, perhaps because I was with a veteran during my Presidential Workshop week, that stands out in my mind.

So we headed out early yesterday: Delaney, my brother Jim, nephew Ravi, and I down to Arlington. We got there, and started walking in, both kids excited. As we walked around, all the headstones and plaques set into the ground dampened the mood a little. I think it stood out for Delaney just how solemn it is, and how terrible war can be. He kept stopping to read headstones and markers, and I think that stood out for him.

We arrived at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, just as they were starting the ceremony, and we watched them change the guard, and then two wreath changing ceremonies with local schools that were providing the wreath. It was kind of amazing. Delaney liked it, but said it was sad to many people had died.

After that we went over the JFK's memorial, seeing the eternal flame, which I'd forgotten about, but Delaney reminded me. I've got a nice shot of him here, in front of the text of his famous "ask not what your country can do for you" speech engraved into the marble. You can see the Washington Monument in the background

One of the things that I've meant to do for years, but never have, is visit a grave. Alton Lee Grizzard, a friend I knew after college, shared beers with, had over to my house, and attended his Navy SEAL graduation, was killed in 1993. I attended his funeral at the Naval Academy, and tried to help comfort his family a bit afterwards. I'd never visited him in Arlington, and I got to yesterday.