Riverside National Cemetery, Memorial Day 2009

[PaidinBlood]

This cemetery is home to over 148,000 of our brothers who have gone before, and today I was honored to attend their impressive celebration of this sacred day. I'll have to get some pictures to add here, but even if a picture is worth a thousand words, no gallery can ever express what I felt standing there among brothers. Some in the ground, others on canes and walkers, more yet mounted on steel horses. I saw plenty still on active duty and carrying the fight, looking on alongside the next generation which will take our place one day. Represented were boy scouts, Sea Cadets, CAP, and countless other youth groups geared towards instilling values and patriotism in those who will take the watch soon. Looking across a sea of faces, I couldn't help but wonder their stories; widows, orphans, parents and loved ones of young men who paid the price overseas. A Marine brass quintet, California National Guard rifle salute, Air Force color guard and flyovers as well as representatives from every branch of this mighty war machine. I guess I just wanted to reassure any who might wonder that the patriotic spirit is alive and well here... While they may never understand, the people here genuinely love us and appreciate the sacrifices-it goes way past yellow ribbon stickers. I also want to apologize if I missed any of you there; I was a bit overwhelmed....damned allergies....

Semper Fidelis

[Joshjames1234]

[PaidinBlood]

Nice video...were you out there today as well?