I think one the most defining moments of my life that is associated with this city is when on this same trip we were exploring Arlington National Cemetery. We walked all over that place, row after row of shiny, white tombstones that rolled over the hills like a Kansas wheat field. On occasion I would actually stop to read what was written on one; One guy had fought in WWII, Korean and Vietnam wars, when I think of that unknown solider today he inspires a great love of country and undying dedication to the military which I carry with me everywhere. Somehow we ended up on a tree covered hill that overlooked a roundabout, for some unknown reason I sat down and in the distance I could hear the unmistakable clop of horses hooves. Slowly these horses came into view and following them were soldiers in uniform and behind them was a flag covered casket, we had stumbled upon a military funeral. I remember the solemness of the procession in stark contrast to the bustling tourists who were walking the sidewalk behind me, my father and brother standing behind me and the odd birdsong in the trees above me. As the casket rounded the lane the sun came through the trees and shown down upon it, in that moment there was complete silence. The tourists had disappeared leaving only our small group to bear witness to this ceremony. I was struck by the precision of the guard, the dignity of the horses and the honor which was bestowed upon this individual even while all around there were tourists merrily taking photos to show to friends completely oblivious to what was going on in this part of the cemetery. I honestly don't know how long we stayed there but I do know that I took something profound away that day which made me choke up the day I raised my hand and swore to defend this country and if need be give my life for it.
Many things have happened from that moment to this and the event that I witnessed that day has been replayed in my life history again and again in numerous and profound ways, not all of which were welcomed but all have had a hand in shaping who I am. Today a much loved brother and his family live there and so I am able to wander the streets of this amazing city more often than most. I now experience it through different eyes but have come to love this city and the complexity of its' history that is somehow intermingled with my own. Many hours have been lost to wandering up and down the mall, visiting museums and walking along the river.Most recently I went back to attend the Cherry Blossom Festival that I seem to miss every year. I guess people from all over the world come to this yearly event and it quickly becomes a mass jumble of humanity jockeying for position on the narrow walkway. I don't know if I have uncanny luck or extremely bad timing when I choose to attend things like this but the overcast and windy day found us virtually alone with only a few people aimlessly wandering the same path. The sidewalk and ground held a fair number of the blossoms due to the storm that had passed through the night before but there was still a beauty to be found in what mother nature had done. As we walked along the edge of the tidal basin we could see monuments in the distance, my sister-in-law and I spoke of history, my brother straggled behind us chasing my nephew who was determined to a catch one of the many ducks and my niece was all bundled up in her stroller. The scent of cherry blossoms swirled around us as the squeal of my nephew's laughter was carried on the wind. This remarkable place always seems to give me what I need the most every time I visit and I look forward to the unknown ways which it will influence my history in the years to come.
