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Vietnam Veterans Memorial

My Most Memorable Memorial Day Weekend Spent in Washington DC

May 23, 2015 by info@3QuartersToday.com

The year I spent Memorial Day in Washington DC was one of the most memorable weekends I have ever had in my life. My kids were part of the Elmwood-Murdock marching band and participated in the annual Memorial Day parade. But, what meant more to me was being able to witness the outpouring of love, honor, and support for our military and having my kids be a part of the ceremonies. From marching in the National Memorial Day parade down Constitution Avenue to their school laying a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

Marine uniform left at the Vietnam Wall in Washington DC
Marine uniform left at the Vietnam Wall in Washington DC

Every war memorial was decorated with flowers and tributes. I know this happens throughout the year, but on Memorial Day weekend the effect takes your breath away. Veterans and their families pour into the Washington area to participate in Rolling Thunder and for many this trip is a once in a lifetime destination.

Memorial Day movie for any military familyMemorial Day movie for any military familyThe Wall (Reading Rainbow Books) how to talk to kids about the Vietnam Wall MemorialThe Wall (Reading Rainbow Books) how to talk to kids about the Vietnam Wall MemorialVinnie and AbrahamVinnie and AbrahamThe Long Ride Home: Run For The WallThe Long Ride Home: Run For The Wall

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Nurses Veteran Memorial, Washington DC
Nurses Veteran Memorial, Washington DC

I have visited the Vietnam Memorial during other times of the year, and although the wall speaks to you with with it’s design and overwhelming names on the wall of those veterans lost, on Memorial Day it’s different. The mementos carpet the wall and the surrounding memorials and cry out as if to say “Don’t forget me.” It is this outpouring of gratitude that stays with you for a lifetime and causes everyone to shed a tear or two.

Men's Memorial Day T-Shirt: We Remember Shirt Large BlackMen’s Memorial Day T-Shirt: We Remember Shirt Large BlackMen's MEMORIAL DAY GIFT:WHEN YOU DISRESPECT OUR FLAG veteran shirt Small BlackMen’s MEMORIAL DAY GIFT:WHEN YOU DISRESPECT OUR FLAG veteran shirt Small Black

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Even the teenagers, far removed from Vietnam were quiet, respectful and introspective at “The Wall”. The men and women who died in battle were real, not only did they have names, but their friends and family were real and every memory from dog tags to a pair of boots, beer bottle, or letter touched an emotional nerve with the visitors.

Vietnam War Memorial, Washington DC
Vietnam War Memorial, Washington DC

Each veterans memorial in the Washington area has a different feeling and tone. The World War II Memorial is inviting and welcomes people is open, expansive, welcoming, and peaceful. Many people sit by the fountain to relax and even in middle of the massive pillars it’s a place that makes you smile instead of cry. It’s a memorial that celebrates freedom, recognizes triumph, and honors the heroes who served.

The Wall of Stars, WWII National Memorial
The Wall of Stars, WWII National Memorial

Memories of my Dad, who served on a Navy destroyer, in WWII came to mind. My son had lots of questions, of which I had very few answers. Since then I have learned more about his military record, but there are still many gaps.

I caught my youngest son standing and staring at the Wall of Stars and as a Mother who just had her first son graduate from Marine Boot Camp this scene was very poignant. Each gold star represents 100 servicemen and women who died, or are still missing in action in World War II. There are 4,048 gold stars on the wall. In my heart I was praying I would never be a Gold Star Mother. A year later my youngest son would join the Marines.

Wall of Stars, World War II Memorial
Wall of Stars, World War II Memorial

The entire trip it was almost as if my Dad was speaking to me and I half expected to see him as we turned the corner to the Korean War Memorial. This military memorial projected an almost reverent feeling, almost as ghosts of the past were walking out of the fog.

Korean War Memorial, Washington DC Mall
Korean War Memorial,

Again, more wreaths adorned the walkway and were placed on the walls, everywhere you saw tributes from people who just wanted to show their appreciation and thanks to our military for service to our country.

If you haven’t been to Washington DC during Memorial Day it is indeed an experience. There will be more people than you will ever encounter any other time. But it is well worth it. Make sure to take the metro into town and be prepared for a lot of walking. At my age I’m going to take a scooter, bike or a Segway tour. Well worth the money. Or maybe those rental bikes.

Photographing Washington D.C. Digital Field GuidePhotographing Washington D.C. Digital Field GuideWWII MEMORIAL: Jewel of the MallWWII MEMORIAL: Jewel of the Mall

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Have you ever been to Washington DC during Memorial Day? If so what is your favorite memory? Leave a comment below.

Memorial Day in Our Nations Capitol

Rolling Thunder – Memorial Day – Washington DC – Julius …

Rolling Thunder – Memorial Day – Washington DC. Posted by Julius Hrivnac at Monday, May 28, 2012 · Email ThisBlogThis!Share to TwitterShare to FacebookShare to Pinterest …

Michael Mercurio’s Read|Delete: Memorial Day Facts For …

Today we honor those who lost their lives in service to this country. This day of remembrance was first celebrated at Arlington National Cemetery on May 30, 1868 and was first named Decoration Day. Arlington National …

8 Trips to Celebrate Memorial Day with Travel | A Traveler’s …

… men and women who have died while serving in the US Armed Forces, here are a few ideas for booking travel for Memorial Day: Washington, DC Get a prime spot for the National Memorial Day Parade honoring veterans.

Memorial Day Parade: A tradition of honor that stretches back 150 years

This year, Mr. Shima will return to Constitution Avenue with dozens of surviving World War II veterans to serve as grand marshals of the National Memorial Day Parade, participating in honor of the 16 million who served and in memory of those who died.

Memorial Day Weekend 2015 Events Washington DC: 10 Free, Fun Things To …

The National Memorial Day Parade will be held Monday at 2 p.m. along Constitution Avenue and 7th Street, NW. It continues past the White House. The National Memorial Day Parade is sponsored by the World War II Veterans Committee and includes …

 

 

 

 

 

Filed Under: Military Pride, Travel Adventures Tagged With: history, memorial day, memorial day washington dc, military, military history, veterans, Vietnam Veterans Memorial, vietnam wall, washington memorial day, World War II

Remembering Veterans Day

November 11, 2012 by info@3QuartersToday.com

It is time to pay respect and honor to our county’s military veterans. Yesterday was the Marine Corps birthday and today is officially Veterans Day.

Thank You Veterans Plaque
Thank You Veterans Plaque
by MilitaryHonor

I have three sons who are veterans, although one is still an active duty Marine. They learned to always have your buddy’s back. Never leave someone behind and respect authority. You can question, but you still must carry out your duty and responsibility.

Honoring our veterans

My Dad served on a destroyer in WWII and was also a Korean wartime veteran. I never heard of his experiences. Never knew what he did, never knew what it meant until I found his military records. Back then the term was shell shocked.

WWII Naval Veteran who served on two destroyers

Now we know this as PTSD. Post-traumatic stress syndrome. I don’t know if he had nightmares, but I know he “checked out” in many ways. He got silent, would shut down during stressful times.

Since then I have gotten to know many veterans and seen some “hit the ground” when a metal folding chair falls to the floor at a school function. Serving in wartime affects you the rest of your life. It shapes you in more ways than you can count.

May we never forget to honor those veterans who have served in all branches of our military: The Army, Navy, Air Force, and the United States Marines.

WWII Memorial Ornament
WWII Memorial Ornament
by MilitaryHonor

Don’t just remember our veterans on the national holidays like Memorial Day or Veterans Day, but remember and thank them every day.  

Next time you hear of conflict in another country, every time you see an American flag, and every time you hear on the news that another soldier died, remember the veterans.

Remember they defend our freedom of speech, our way of life, and liberty of the United States of America.

Remember them every day, not just on Veterans Day

In addition to my three sons, currently in the Marine Corps, this day and weekend I also remember my “Daddy”.

I wish I had asked more questions, I wish I had listened when you started to tell me the stories, but alas I was a child and only thought of childish things.

I wish I had more time with you, and I wish you had lived to see your grandchildren grow up.  You would be proud of them. I miss you now more than ever. I finally learned your military history and wish you were here to tell me more.

Private Leo Tyrrell, 82nd Airborne
Private Leo Tyrrell, 82nd Airborne (1952?)

Filed Under: Family, Military Pride Tagged With: graphic design, history, Holiday, Marine Corps, memorial, memorial day, military, United States Marine, United States Marines, veteran, veterans day, Vietnam Veterans Memorial, World War II

The Flag Still Stands For Freedom

May 23, 2011 by info@3QuartersToday.com

The Flag Still Stands For Freedom
The Flag Still Stands For Freedom

During last years trip to Washington DC I had a chance to visit all of the war memorials. The Vietnam Wall affected me the most. To see all those names stretching out into the horizon gave this new Marine Mom a new perspective. Some day it could be my son’t name etched in the granite of a memorial.

It is through tears that I write this, just a little under two months before my youngest son leaves for Marine boot camp. The risk has doubled, the sacrifices of families, and loved ones that served and gave their all still proves that the Flag Still Stands for Freedom.

Thanks to MCPActions for having a Memorial Day contest to submit images of patriotism, freedom, and peace. Deadline is May 27th, so if you would like to submit yours head over there, a free 16 x 20 print will be awarded to ten winners.

Filed Under: Marine Corps, Military Pride, Photography, Travel Adventures Tagged With: flag, Marine Corps, memorial, memorial day, memories, military, patriotic, patriotism, the wall, travel, USMC, vietnam memorial wall, Vietnam Veterans Memorial, vietnam wall, War memorial, washington dc

Memorial Day Weekend in Washington DC

August 10, 2010 by info@3QuartersToday.com


Memorial Day weekend is special in any part of the country, but Memorial Day weekend in Washington DC is something not to be missed. The patriotism and overwhelming sense of pride and country as Americans gather to honor our military veterans who died fighting for freedom and liberty brings a tear to your eye as you wreaths are placed at every memorial.

Vietnam War Memorial- Memorial Day 2010

Whoever says that small schools don’t give their students opportunities that bigger schools can offer has never heard of Elmwood-Murdock High School. Our whole school district, K-12 has only 403 students, and an average graduating class of 36 kids. But this has not held them back.

Elmwood Murdock Marching Band, Washington DC

The band consists of over 70 students (3/4 of the student body) and in 2010 they had the opportunity to march in the Memorial Day parade and spend Memorial Day weekend in Washington DC. I was lucky to be a sponsor and the trip was nothing short of spectacular.  In just 4 1/2 days we took over 80 people to the following locations

  • Arlington Cemetery
  • Tomb of the Unknown Soldier: (Laid the schools band wreath)
  • Nations Capital: (experienced security at it’s finest when an abandoned baby stroller caused a evacuation of a marked perimeter)
  • World War II Memorial
  • Vietnam Memorial
  • Korean War Memorial
  • Iwo Jima Memorial
  • Lincoln Memorial
  • Memorial Day Concert on the Capital Lawn
  • Holcoust Museum
  • Memorial Day Concert on the Capital Step
  • Smithsonian Museums
  • Marching in the Memorial Day Parade

Our kids learned important lessons that weekend. Many family member serve in the military and the Vietnam Wall held special meaning for them. Tears were shed, and by the time our students placed a wreath at Arlington Cemetery there wasn’t a dry eye in the group.

WWII Memorial Washington DC on Memorial Day

My son was especially impressed by the World War II Memorial and I watched him quietly stare at the wall of stars. He asked about his grandfather and other relatives that served during WWII. That son is now a United States Marine and I couldn’t be prouder.

Photographing Washington D.C. Digital Field GuidePhotographing Washington D.C. Digital Field Guide25 Bicycle Tours In and Around Washington, D. C.: From National Monuments to Country Roads (25 Bicycle Tours)25 Bicycle Tours In and Around Washington, D. C.: From National Monuments to Country Roads (25 Bicycle Tours)Holocaust Museum In WashingtonHolocaust Museum In WashingtonArlington National Cemetery: A Guided Tour Through History (Timeline)Arlington National Cemetery: A Guided Tour Through History (Timeline)

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Memorial Day Weekend in Washington DCIf you ever get the chance to spend Memorial Day Weekend in Washington DC I would highly recommend it, take your time, soak in the atmosphere, and be proud of our country.

On Hallowed Ground: The Story of Arlington National CemeteryOn Hallowed Ground: The Story of Arlington National CemeteryMrs. Lee's Rose Garden: The True Story of the Founding of Arlington National CemeteryMrs. Lee’s Rose Garden: The True Story of the Founding of Arlington National CemeteryArlington National Cemetery Became My ClassroomArlington National Cemetery Became My ClassroomAdministrative Guide To Information and Burial At Arlington National CemeteryAdministrative Guide To Information and Burial At Arlington National Cemetery

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Memorial Day Links

Memorial Day in DC: Planning Your Visit | Free Tours by Foot

Are you spending Memorial Day in DC and are you planning your visit on Memorial Day weekend in Washington DC? Free Tours by Foot has a list of the events, …
5 Ways to Celebrate Memorial Day in Washington DC

Memorial Day Washington DC. Face it, the beaches will be crowded and the water is still too cold for swimming. Washington DC is the place to be for Memorial …
20 Things to Do This Weekend in Washington, DC | Washington.org

Vietnam Veteran at The Vietnam Veterans Memorial on Memorial Day, Washington, DC Elvert Barnes. Stroll down the National Mall Tour the memorials on the …
The Rolling Thunder On Memorial Day 2014 – Washington DC – 5/25 …

Jun 3, 2014 … Rolling Thunder Memorial Day Washington DC 2014 – Duration: 2:14. waizzy1967 1,342 views. 2:14. DC Rolling Thunder 2014 – Duration: …

Celebrating Memorial Day Weekend in Washington, DC

During the Memorial Day weekend, people across the nation visit cemeteries and memorials in their hometown to pay homage to the fallen heroes. This year Memorial Day falls on May 26, 2014. The Nation’s Capital will hold …

‘Blessing of the Bikes’ Set for Friday at National Cathedral …

The event is planned to coordinate with the beginning of Rolling Thunder XXVII “Ride for Freedom,” the 2014 annual Memorial Day weekend gathering of bikers in the Washington, D.C. area and culminating in a ride from the …

 

Filed Under: Events, Small Town Living, Travel Adventures Tagged With: Elmwood-Murdock, entertainment, korean war, Lincoln Memorial, marching band experience, memorial day in weekend in washington dc, memorial day washington dc, Nebraska, Vietnam Veterans Memorial, washington dc, World War II

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