Remembering a visit

@Bensen32 (28658)
United States
December 3, 2021 6:50pm CST
I just watched a video on Youtube that reminded me of visiting the Arlington National Cemetery and the Tomb of the Unknowns. It made me want to share my story of my visit. As a Marine Corps and combat veteran I was honored years back to visit Arlington and the Tomb of the Unknowns. I will never forget my visit there. Shortly after the changing of the guard my son and I found a little out of the way place we could sit and eat a snack. While sitting with a few other groups of people around us doing the same, we heard Taps starting to be played. I knew that meant there was a funeral happening somewhere nearby. I stood quickly turned towards the sound and stood at attention, noticing my son (13 years old at the time) following my lead. Out of the corners of my eyes I could see some of the others around us followed my lead also. When Taps ended, I looked around and every person around me was standing at attention. As I sat back down, they followed too. A few minutes later a lady and the four kids that were with her walked past and said, "thank you for your service and showing us what to do". I guess my Marine Corps shirt gave me away. I replied like I usually do if someone thanks me, “it was my honor, thank you”. I also added thank you all for your respect. Forever respect to those who served and sacrificed everything.
9 people like this
8 responses
@1creekgirl (44560)
• United States
4 Dec 21
This brought tears to my eyes. My husband and some of our family visited Arlington National Cemetery a few years ago and it was really special to him. He was in the Navy for four years.
3 people like this
@Bensen32 (28658)
• United States
4 Dec 21
Yes, it is very touching brought tears to my eyes a few times while we were there.
2 people like this
@kaylachan (84703)
• Daytona Beach, Florida
4 Dec 21
It's always nice to hear vets doing things like that.
3 people like this
@Bensen32 (28658)
• United States
4 Dec 21
it was an amazing experience one I will never forget
1 person likes this
@LadyDuck (502148)
• Italy
4 Dec 21
What a beautiful story, I am sure it was an amazing experience for you.
1 person likes this
@LadyDuck (502148)
• Italy
4 Dec 21
@Bensen32 DC is a beautiful city, we only stayed some days and I visited while my husband had meetings.
1 person likes this
@Bensen32 (28658)
• United States
4 Dec 21
It was very much. I would love to get back there again someday we seen a lot of the monuments and would like to see more of DC.
1 person likes this
@Bensen32 (28658)
• United States
4 Dec 21
@LadyDuck Yeah, some real interesting things to see there.
1 person likes this
@RasmaSandra (97912)
• Daytona Beach, Florida
4 Dec 21
You did the right thing all those who served should always be honored for the sacrifice they made for their country,
3 people like this
@Bensen32 (28658)
• United States
4 Dec 21
Always feels weird when someone says thank you. I am proud I served, and it was an honor for me.
2 people like this
@moffittjc (128824)
• Gainesville, Florida
4 Dec 21
Coming from a military family, I have always had respect for our military veterans and the sacrifices they have made for our country. And when I can, I try to pay for meals of veterans I see in restaurants, as a way of showing my thanks and appreciation. The other day in the grocery store I passed an elderly gentleman in the aisles who was wearing a Korean War veteran ball cap. I stopped him, shook his hand, and told him thank you for his service and everything he has done for our country. I ended up talking to him for a while as he shared some of his Korean War memories.
1 person likes this
@moffittjc (128824)
• Gainesville, Florida
5 Dec 21
@Bensen32 We should all take the time to converse with our Vets.
1 person likes this
@Bensen32 (28658)
• United States
5 Dec 21
@moffittjc I think so, I mean at least a little acknowledgement goes a long way.
@Bensen32 (28658)
• United States
4 Dec 21
That is awesome, I see other vets now and then at work and always thank them for their service and sometimes that leads to short conversations. It's always cool to make that connection with them. I always remind them to ask for the discount we give. Some know some are just thankful for the mention.
1 person likes this
@Dena91 (17029)
• United States
4 Dec 21
As a teenager I visited it and it is very humbling experience. Thank you for your service.
2 people like this
@Bensen32 (28658)
• United States
4 Dec 21
It is for sure. awe inspiring. It was my honor, thank you.
1 person likes this
@Shavkat (141906)
• Philippines
4 Dec 21
I haven't seen my grandpa who is a US Vet. But I am still proud of him.
1 person likes this
@CarolDM (203396)
• Nashville, Tennessee
5 Dec 21
Wow this gave me goosebumps to read. Taps always brings tears. And I too thank you for your service.
1 person likes this
@Bensen32 (28658)
• United States
6 Dec 21
:) yeah it does me too. I can't help it.
1 person likes this
@CarolDM (203396)
• Nashville, Tennessee
6 Dec 21
1 person likes this