Friday, September 11, 2009
Arlington Cemetery
Donnie and I have been wanting to take the boys to Washington DC and thought there was no better time to go than this weekend. Today was a 9/11 we will never forget... not only did we pray for those who lost their lives that day, we also recognized those who gave their lives while bringing justice.
Donnie's entire platoon came to DC this weekend for Ryan McGhee's Jersey Retirement Ceremony & Dedication at his high school in Fredericksburg, Virginia. Ryan was buried in Arlington, so we all went to visit his grave this morning. Ryan was a dear friend and will never be forgotten.
Ryan was one of Donnie & Kirk Foster's men... they were there with Ryan the night he died, it was the same night they both were pretty badly injured. Donnie took Ryan's death very hard, it was really painful to see him cry that day.
Saying a family prayer for Ryan and his family.
JFK & Jacqueline Kennedy's graves and the Eternal Flame.
While we were there, we walked around to all of the famous graves, including the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Throughout the cemetery, there are signs posted to remind us to be reverent and respectful. Donnie and I were SO proud of how well our boys behaved the three hours we spent walking around.
Here is Donnie with several of his friends, standing next to the plaque they dedicated to Ryan's high school's football field.
This evening was Ryan McGhee's Jersey Retirement Ceremony & Dedication at his high school. It was an AMAZING ceremony that had everyone in tears. A plaque was dedicated in his honor by Donnie's unit. It was so amazing to see everyone wearing Ryan's jersey number 33... whether it was on the ribbons in their hair, their hats & t-shirts, or painted on their cheeks & chests. It took my breath away when the crowd gave Donnie's unit a standing ovation when the football coach asked to give thanks. It was TRULY a night I'll never forget.
It was a bit chilly that night, we all bundled up. There was a section roped off just for us at the front center of the bleachers, which was so thoughtful of Ryan's coaches. The boys had SO much fun at the game... stomping their feet and clapping their hands to the music played over the speakers. Kaleb's favorite was 'We Will Rock You,' he sung it afterwards in the car the whole way back to the hotel.
Massoponax High School won the game... which was a PERFECT way to honor Ryan. The team they played against was very good, but every play just seemed to come together for MHS. After the game, several of Ryan's old teammates said he was definitely there that night... they could feel him.
We were so glad our good friends Kirk & Leah were there with us that weekend. It was quite an emotional one... but so necessary. We love you two!!!
Saturday, September 12, 2009
Today we spent the day with a dear family friend, JJ Smith, who has been at Walter Reed since June 1st. His humvee was hit with an IED in Afghanistan... we are definitely counting our blessings he is miraculously physically recovering well. His legs are in really bad shape, but he was able to walk around with us... with a few rests. The news of him being hurt came to me just a few days after returning home from Ryan's memorial and funeral. It had a been an emotional week to say the least. Donnie and I feel this weekend, visiting both of them, helped our spirits a great deal.
The first place we went was down Pennsylvania Avenue to see the White House. When we got there, a bit of commotion was going on... it was a miracle we were able to get a photo, much less one that turned out well. The Tea Party protesters were there handing out information flyers and picketing everywhere. We actually saw President Obama's Marine One fly overhead. It is one HUGE helicopter!
The Washington Monument
While we were walking around, someone gave Kaleb a little American flag and he carried it for the rest of the day.
I LOVE my soldier!!! =)
If you look to the far left, between the trees, you'll see the Capitol Building.
The World War II Memorial
This memorial was just amazing! If you've never been there, it's set up as a giant circle with monuments representing each state. The monuments were engraved with quotes that we really enjoyed walking around and reading. In the center, was a beautiful fountain. If you looked to one side you could see the Washington Monument, if you looked to the other you could see The Reflecting Pool and the Lincoln Memorial. This quote was my favorite and was very well suited for our weekend.
Here is another cool quote, referring to the roles the women played in supporting our nation during WWII.
This photo is just AMAZING! If you read the quote on the wall, then see Kaleb holding up and looking at his little flag... and then see Donnie sitting to the other side of Kaleb, who's in a unit of our nation's TOP soldiers. So cool, I SWEAR I didn't set them up this way! =)
Donnie & I thought it would be fun for us to get photos in front of the monuments for the states we were born in.
Standing in front of the fountain in the middle of the WWII Memorial with the Washington Monument in the back.
Our boys LOVE JJ! =)
The Lincoln Memorial
We had SUCH a great time with JJ!! He took us all out to a really nice restaurant afterward, where I ate the BEST grilled salmon I've ever had... the food was SO yummy. It was really hard to say goodbye to him, but he promised to come visit us soon... we love you, JJ!!!!!! xoxo
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