We left the DC area on a Sunday morning to go north to Gettysburg. On the way we planned to stop at the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial to pay homage to my nephew Matt. The memorial is on the campus of the National Firefighter Academy.
I have blogged of my nephew Matthew before and if you care to read one go here: http://oh-for-joy.blogspot.com/2010/07/say-thanks-to-firefighter.html
While there I thought I'd do a rubbing of Matt's name. We figured that would be a 45 minute stop at most as the campus is right off the freeway. As we neared the entrance it was apparent something big was happening as there we cars everywhere and big firetrucks flying gigantic American flags. The man at the entrance guard gate told us the yearly Memorial Weekend was in progress and we would have to go park at the close-bye local college and one of many shuttle buses would bring us on the campus. A 1/2 later we were on campus with a thousand others.
I was feeling slightly guilty about the time being used for this stop - after all Matt was my nephew. We had thought we would have a full day at Gettysburg. On the bus I apologized to hubby about the time thing and he gave me an incredulous look and said "Stop. Being here and honoring Matt means more to me than viewing battlefields at Gettysburg, no matter how long this takes." How can a heart full of love for someone grow more? It does. I am blessed that my hubby loves, likes and respects my brother and his wife, and enjoyed Matt.
The 1.5 hour memorial service and unveiling of the 2010 had about 1/2 hour left when we got there. We were greeted by some volunteers and given a packet and gently asked "who did you lose?" They gave us paper and pencil to do rubbings with. After the ceremony ended we got in line to get into the memorial circle. We witnessed sadness, camaraderie, friendships being born and great empathy and love.
...some of the attendees.
...our view while in line.
...the Walk of Honor.
While I was doing a rubbing a man asked me who it was. He is a retired Firefighter and his daughter was also a firefighter. She was killed in a fire and her firefighter husband (widower) was killed a few years after her. "I am so sorry" seems pitiful at times but he was gracious.
We enjoyed our time there (3.5 hours) and left feeling privileged to have stumbled upon the annual celebration... not inconvenienced by it.
