Many of you will recognize this picture as the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery near Washington DC.  It was one of the sites my friend wanted to see.  I have been there to see it and witness the changing of the guard ceremony many times.  We were able to our visit to see the changing of the guard ceremony.  I was impressed that during the ceremony from start to finish the crowd gathered there was respectful and quiet.  So all present gave honor to our fallen heroes.

I was most impressed with watching the Marines go through the procedure with exact precision when the temperature and humidity here painfully high.  All of them had to be suffering from great perspiration but they did not let that dampen their conviction to perform the ceremony in the exact method that is dictated by years of tradition.  As we were walking away from the ceremony I could hear members of others who had been there reflecting on the contributions of human lives that their families had made over time to our branches of the military.  The respect for those who have fallen and love for country were very evident.  I am thankful we have a continuous method by which we honor our war dead and do so in a way that anyone who wants to be present and be a part of the ceremony is able to do so.  Providing closure is so essential for many life events.  I am glad this event of closure is still being provided today and bringing comfort to those who encounter it.