I had the opportunity for me and my son to visit the Arlington National Cemetery this past July 9th. It was a once in a life time experience, and I'm truly glad we made the trip. We were up there in the area to see my oldest daughter graduate from her AIT school at Ft. Lee. We took the rest of the day to visit our Nation's capital and see the main sights. I really wanted to get to the Arlington National Cemetery since I was a kid, and knew that was the first place we needed to go. It was an experience that I almost can't explain. I didn't realize how large of grounds it covers, and we had to take the tour and get it all in. I was in awe of the history that is there. And we definitely caught the Tomb of the Unknown Soldiers and watched the 'Changing of the Guards'… it was amazing! We took in as much as time would allow and as we left we ran into this young man. Extremely polite and highly professional. His job was to take anyone that needed a ride to and from the cemetery. My son, met him, thanked him for his service to our country and wanted to get a picture with him. He was great to meet and as always, stood out.
Our family is a house torn in two. My wife, is ARMY. My oldest daughter is ARMY. My brother was former ARMY and I have an uncle that was in the 82nd Airborne, and was a part of D-Day. However, my two yougest daughters now are wanting to be part of the United States Marine Corps. I have faith in both of them that they can obtain their goals. They plan on enlisting as soon as they graduate from high school. My grandfather was a Marine and was at Iwo Jima '45-'46.
Bottom line, our family has a tradition serving this great nation of ours. Protecting the values and freedoms for all to appreciate. Making this visit only solidifies my patriotism.
Very Respectfully,
Justin Smith