Memorial Day Recognition of Those Who Died for Our Country

Recognizing, appreciating and honoring
the men and women of the US military
who died in the line of duty
to protect and defend our beloved country
and the freedoms we enjoy.

Ah! never shall the land forget

How gushed the life-blood of her brave.

 ~William Cullen Bryant

View this past post, Memorial Day Taps.

Honoring the Tomb of the Unknowns, Arlington, VA

HERE RESTS IN
HONORED GLORY

AN AMERICAN 

SOLDIER

KNOWN BUT TO GOD

Over the years, we've seen a number of the memorials and
 historical monuments throughout the Washington, DC area. 
Each one evokes feelings of pride and patriotism, but by far 
the most solemn is the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
Located at the Memorial Amphitheater in Arlington National Cemetery,
the tomb is the final resting place for Unknowns from
World War I, World War II and the Korean War.

Since 1937, the Tomb is guarded by an Honor Guard
24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

The Sentinal takes 21 steps as he walks in each direction while guarding the Tomb.

This relates to the highest honor given in the military, the twenty-one gun salute.

The Sentinal stops on his 21st step, turns with a heel click and faces the Tomb 

for 21 seconds, then turns and "walks the mat" 21 steps in the other direction.

He always carries his weapon on his outside shoulder, 

placing himself between the Tomb and any potential danger. 

The Changing of the Guard is a reverent, formal ceremony.

It's well worth watching; we stayed to see it twice.

The precision and devotion with which the Honor Guard

carries out this respected tradition is mesmerizing.

The weapon of the new Sentinal is thoroughly inspected.

You may like to read these posts:
Our Day at Arlington National Cemetery
A Solemn Visit to the National 9/11 Pentagon Memorial

Links to explore:
Society of the Honor Guard
Arlington National Cemetery

The US Air Force Memorial - Honoring Airmen with Reverent Patriotism

Recent travels to Arlington, Virginia brought us to the
United States Air Force Memorial.
A very prominent part of the Arlington skyline,
the Memorial's 3 spires drew us in to see more.




Three stainless steel spires stretch skyward, 
representing the Thunderbirds' bomb burst maneuver.
Their towering heights are 201', 231', and 270'.

The Memorial overlooks the Washington, D.C. skyline across the Potomac River.
The Washington Monument and the U.S. Capitol Building can be seen to the left.
The Memorial is adjacent to Arlington National Cemetery and the Pentagon.

At the base of the spires is a granite star, the center of which is a stone
commemorating the Memorial's dedication in 2006 by President George W. Bush.

Reaching toward the Heavens.

On either side of the spires is a black granite Inscription Wall. 
The north wall is inscribed with quotes on valor, courage and sacrifice, 
along with names of the Airmen Medal of Honor recipients.

In front of the Inscription Wall is the glass Contemplation Wall.
It's engraved with images of four F-16 fighter jets in the Missing Man formation.

A bronze sculpture of an 8' tall Air Force Honor Guard stands at the watch. 

The south wall is engraved with inspirational quotes based on the three core values:
integrity first, service before self, and excellence in all things.

Visiting this memorial was a moving and patriotic experience.
I walked away with a renewed gratitude for our Air Force-
for the sacrifices they have made, for those who gave all,
for those men and women currently serving our country-
as well as a deeper appreciation for the many freedoms which I enjoy.

Find out more at the Air Force Memorial website.

You may also like to read these posts I've written:
A Solemn Visit to the National 9/11 Pentagon Memorial
Our Day at Arlington National Cemetery
Honoring the Tomb of the Unknowns, Arlington, VA

The Bob Hope Tribute in San Diego

Bob Hope. (1903-2003)
Comedian and star of film and television,
but probably most warmly remembered for the many times
he traveled overseas with the USO to entertain our American troops,
often during the Christmas holiday when servicemen were far from their loved ones.
Bob brought smiles, laughter, encouragement and appreciation
to thousands of men and women in the armed forces.

The city of San Diego, California is "thanking Bob for the memories"
with a spectacular and moving memorial called
A National Salute to Bob Hope and the Military.

Amid a group of beautiful coral trees along the shore of San Diego Bay,
is a life-size bronze statue of Bob at the microphone.
He's facing a group of 15 bronze likenesses,
designed to collectively symbolize those soldiers
who fought during the times of Bob's USO tours and who
represent the branches of the military as follows:

World War II: Paratrooper, Fighter Pilot, Marine Corps Sergeant, 

Navy Pilot Lieutenant, Army Nurse, Navy Machinist Mate

Korean War: Infantryman, Sailor, Marine

Vietnam War: Artilleryman, Air Force Mechanic, 

Coast Guard Squadron One, Navy Medic

Gulf War: Soldier in Desert Storm, Air Force Staff Sergeant

The sculptures were done by Eugene Daub and Steven Whyte. 
Speakers provide recordings of Bob telling his classic jokes and one-liners.

Notice the aircraft carrier in the background; it's the USS Midway Museum.

We dropped in next door for delicious fresh-caught seafood dinner
at The Fish Market, complete with an amazing view of the bay.

A 25 feet tall bronze statue, Unconditional Surrender, 
is also adjacent to the restaurant.

Its sculptor, Seward Johnson, based his work on
a V-J Day photo by Victor Jorgensen, shown below.

wikipedia

Leaving the restaurant just at sunset, we couldn't resist 

heading back over to the memorial for another look and more photos.

Bob Hope received many awards recognizing his humanitarian efforts.

In 1997, on behalf of all United States soldiers, Bob was made an honorary veteran.

Additional posts from my San Diego vacation:
An Afternoon at Hotel del Coronado
A Day at Pacific Beach & Crystal Pier
Strolling Through Little Italy
Shopping & Dining at The Headquarters


Links to websites of interest:
National Salute to Bob Hope and the Military by Eugene Daub & Steven Whyte
The Fish Market -Seafood Market & Restaurant
USS Midway Museum
BobHope.com
USO.org