Bobby
On Saturday, December 12, 2009, the 18th annual Wreaths Across America memorial was held at Arlington National Cemetery. Family members, friends, loved ones and even strangers pay their respects to those whom have bravely and honorably fought for our country and have been laid to rest. Over 16,000 wreaths were laid over graves at the cemetery. This year, one of our very own Public Affairs Officers, Erika Wonn had the opportunity to participate in event. In her blog entry below, she reflects on her visit to Arlington and talks about her new-found Ohio hero.
Photo Courtesy of Yahoo News
This weekend I joined thousands of others who descended into Arlington National Cemetery to pay their respects to the fallen this holiday season at Wreaths Across America. I don’t know anyone personally who is buried in the cemetery, but I just couldn’t pass up this opportunity to salute those who now lay in peace within its gates. After I got my wreathto put on a grave, I walked around for awhile to try and find a place to put it. After reading many grave stones, I noticed one without a wreath in a long line of graves already adorned. His name was Robert F. Eckert, and if he were still alive today he would be my age. This was definitely the one. As I lay the wreath, fixing the bow so it would be just right, I quietly thanked him for his service.
After some research when I returned home, I found out that “Bobby” was an Ohioan just like me. He was from Cleveland, and over 6 feet tall. He served 3 tours oversees, and was a purple heart recipient. When on leave at home the last time, he asked his mother to promise to bury him in Arlington. Bobby seemed to be one of those guys who always knew he was going to be a Marine, and after a lot of hard work, I bet he was a damn good one.
I obviously didn’t know Bobby, but if I could tell him one thing it would be thank you. I don’t know if his family was there Saturday, and if so I’m sorry for taking your wreaths spot. If they weren’t able to attend, Bobby still got a very thankful visitor, an Ohioan friend. I would also tell them thank you for their sacrifice, something no one should ever have to go through. I have no idea what it was like to be in his boots, but I like to think that my prayers get to those guys over there every day.
This was a truly humbling experience, and I am thankful for the opportunity to attend. It’s an amazing way to let these families know that their sacrifice and love for their fallen will never be taken for granted. Fortunately I can not relate to the magnitude of their loss, but I continue to pray for each of them every day.
Photo Courtesy: Erika Wonn
Posted by inCurrent Events
Since 2000, I’ve gone to ANC nearly every week – sometimes several times a week. It it a very beautiful place and each stone has a story that needs to be told… thanks for sharing this story.
The Ultimate Sacrifice
© Lisa Milligan May 28, 2007
Because of you
we can get up every morning
and go to work
run errands at lunch time
drive through McDonald’s
fill up our gas tanks
and make it back to work
just in time
Because of you
we don’t have houses
we have homes
where we walk through the door
the dog jumps on us
as do our children
we hug our spouses
and smell dinner cooking
Because of you
we have artwork from Kindergarten
and shopping lists
hanging on the refrigerator
along with pictures held up with tape or magnets
school pictures, pictures of gramma and grampa
pictures of babies, kittens, and teenagers
dressed for the prom
Because of you
we gather around the dinner table
play in the backyard with our kids
feed the cat, walk the dog
splash water on our children in the tub
then tuck them into bed with hugs and kisses
and reassurance there are no monsters
in closets or under beds
Because of you
with the children asleep
and the dishes all done
men make love to their wives
wives make love to their husbands
and drift off to sleep intertwined
feeling life is good, all is well
and we are safe
Because of you
we are safe
we can sit in fields watching our kids play soccer
or in the stands watching our kids play hockey
we can grill hamburgers and hot dogs
eat potato salad and cole slaw
drink ice cold beer
and play pool while the kids run through sprinklers
Because of you
we must remember
to have a moment of silence on Memorial Day
to remember your sacrifice
and your family’s
and to thank you that we get to live these lives
sometimes eventful, sometimes uneventful
but always full of possibilities
Because of you
Thank you for sharing your experience… I do hope CPL Eckfield’s family sees this, and can be comforted to know that their son’s (and their) sacrifice is still remembered and honored.
The ONLY thing I miss about the D.C. area is the ability to visit the garden– I worked there for three years as a member of The Old Guard, and the very last time I visited was just as powerful as the very first.
What peace– what a sense of perspective– to be surrounded by that much sacrifice, honor, and pride.
Thank YOU for taking the time out of your certainly busy schedule to participate… and don’t forget to visit Arlington during flags in! =)
http://www.arlingtoncemetery.org/ceremonies/flagsin.html
:’( RIP and thank you for your sacrifice
I love to see the wreaths on the gravestones in the cemetery. It shows appreciation for the sacrifice that was made by the soldiers and their families.
Well written article…thank you for that.
It goes a long way for the families and friends of servicemen and women to hear that they are appreciated.
Best to you.