LIVE: Our Nation Shows Its Pride And Respect on Memorial Day

Many times the most immediate moments or events in our lives are viewed on our television screens. Either when we can't be there in person or when something occurs that only the immediacy of live television (or streaming live on our computer) can take us there, it is though we are witnessing the action in person, participants in a way. Sometimes it's the best we can do to be apart and join millions of others as it's happening. Today, our nation pauses to remember all of our military, those who are currently serving our country in uniform and the millions of veterans who served in wars and in peacetime. But just moments ago many of us stopped wherever we were to watch a ceremony that has been repeated for decades. Each year, on this day, our president makes the short trip across the bridge from Washington to Arlington National Cemetery. There, he is joined by veterans, families of veterans and the leaders of our armed forces. In a solemn and very moving ceremony, he places a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldiers. With the city of Washington, DC spread out in front of him, and the honor guard of the 3rd U.S. Infantry, The Old Guard, serving at his side, the president pays the highest honor to those entombed, known only to God, and to all men and women who serve and have served in defense of our freedoms and liberty. The stirring music, prayer and the playing of taps remind us all of our history and of the soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines who stepped forward when our country called.


I am immensely and forever proud that three of my family members are buried in Section One of Arlington National Cemetery. My father, grandmother and my namesake, my grandfather, are buried beside one another and surrounded by thousands whose lives we remember and cherish. We celebrate their selfless service and sacrifice on this day.

(Click these links for more information about The Old Guard and Arlington National Cemetery .)