My nations capitol Washington D.C., its been a long time since I have been wanting to visit you. Approximately 19 years to be exact. What better way to visit you than by participating in the 31st Annual Army 10 Miler. You are worth the 12-hour drive. The entire drive I can only wonder what order I was going to visit the sites that were important to me. Naturally they are all important. But, since I possibly have family dating back to WWII, I need to make time to see those specific monuments before I visit anywhere else.
Arriving and driving through your fascinating city I couldn’t wait to check into the hotel. I couldn’t wait get to the top monument/ceremony on my list. “Tomb of the Unknown
Soldier”. A place where, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery stands, overlooking Washington, D.C. Where an unidentified American soldier from World War I lays in the plaza of the new Memorial Amphitheater. Sculpted into the east panel, which faces Washington, D.C., are three Greek figures representing Peace, Victory, and Valor. The six wreaths, three sculpted on each side, represent the six major campaigns of World War I. Inscribed on the back of the Tomb are the words: Here rests in honored glory an American soldier known but to God. To watch this, is truly an honor. Having served for as long as I have, having been deployed 7 times in over 19 years, nothing was more emotionally confusing than watching these soldiers stand watch and guard the tomb with such dedication and professionalism. My mind, my body, my heart, and my soul: all wanting to tell each other how to feel. It was a battle in itself just to hold my composure. It’s amazing they do this 365 days and change guard every hour on the hour says enough. No matter the time nor weather. They do it because they want to and that makes it perfect. Walking through the cemetery had me also confused and vividly in deep thought about where our country has gone or is going. Can’t dwell on it though, tomorrow I am sure will be another confusing day. It was time to say good night. Thank you for welcoming me the way you did. D.C., you are truly amazing, GOODNIGHT!!
Waking up and ready for the Army 10 Miler Expo, I still wanted to see what you had to offer 1st. So much to see with so little time. OH!! THE WHITE HOUSE!!!! You are not as big as I imagined but you are as beautiful. Completely gated and guarded, rightfully so, you only house the Commander in Chief of the United States. Your massive lawn and inexplicable landscapes contrasted by your beautiful white architecture house had me awed even from distant. As I continue to the Nations Capital, the city is just amazing. You had everything literally with in walking distance away. Well. To me it was or it could have just been the excitement taking over. The Nations Capital, WOW!! Like I mentioned before; having a family full of military
history and in some way, shape or form, take part in the campaigns dating back to the Korean War and possibly even WWII, I had no choice but to visit all your monuments. First, walking through the reflecting pond to the Abraham Lincoln Monument. I have to say, Abraham Lincoln, you are nothing like I’ve learned, read about or seen on TV. Your colossal size is not enough to justify what you stood and still stand for. Nevertheless, you brought me chills. WWII, Korean War, Vietnam War, you bring me to my knees. The statues, the thousands of names, the pillars: it’s just not enough. As American, we are in your debt. As a soldier, given this opportunity to serve and follow the road you paved, I am in your debt. Having lost contact with some friends, then seeing their names on head count since the beginning of Afghanistan and Iraq. Having lost a best friend, I can only sit on the bench and loose all I was trying to compose.
Thank you D.C for an amazing first half of the day, but it’s time to head over to The Army 10 Miler EXPO and meeting a very good buddy of mine, Heathers’ dad, Joe. Linking up with him and heading to the EXPO, it was great catching up and having some laughs. Arriving I couldn’t help but to notice all the amazing KIOSK and static displays. A lawn
full of Army aviation had me astonished. UH-60 Black Hawks of course were my favorite. Getting inside, I was also amazed at the size of nonmilitary supporters there were. After a long drive for Joe and a long day for me, it was time to head back to the hotel and relax, but not before we grab some dinner and a beer.
It’s about 0500 and time to head over to the race. You were cold D.C. But we are excited and you’re not going to ruin this day for either of us. Before the race, we head over to the Wear Blue: Run to Remember circle to give our prayers, dedicate our run and miles to those who gave the ultimate sacrifice for our country. Around the circle, one by one, we say out loud a name and a dedication to or for a soldier or soldiers.
GOOSEBUMPS!!! The race begins and I couldn’t help myself but to push even more than I planned on. Seeing all the amputees and wounded warriors attack the course was enough to fill me with a never quit motivation. Job well done D.C. and Army 10 Miler. Made this run definitely something to cherish.
This weekend with you was amazing. I can’t wait to bring my son to see all the monuments and museums. Bucket list, CHECK!!