Memories Of Arlington

The Marine Corps War Memorial at Arlington National Cemetery Around the base is inscribed: “In honor and memory of the men of the United States Marine Corps who have given their lives to their country since 10 November 1775 Uncommon Valor was a Common Virtue“
To a Marine, the sky coloring was unusual – a light blue, thin and distant.  The scene was Arlington National Cemetery.
On a single pedestal before me stood the memory of five men;  the glory of one nation;  the pride of one corp.
They fought for peace, justice, and freedom in a war plagued, strife wrought time.
They stand bronzed, still, silent.  Reassuring, uniting, proclaiming.
Above them, what they and their friends fought for, lived for, died for;  a piece of cloth;  a dream of man’s;  a fraction of history.
Their bravery is America’s life.  Their willingness is America’s pride.  Their strength is America’s glory.
[The text above was written on Nov. 18, 1969, before I had ever actually visited the statue or cemetery.  Based on the pictures I’d seen, I didn’t realize there were six Marines in the statue.    —    KMAB]
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