I live close enough to Arlington National Cemetery to make a visit whenever I feel the urge to do so. So given the fact that my loyalties lay at the feet of my country, this alone pushes me a little harder to do what I can, when I can. I feel a strong sense of warmth to honor those that willingly sacrificed for the sake of our nation or helping another protect their own. Without getting political about it all, I take great pride in honoring these men and women, although I can never truly repay their love.

In all, 245,000 wreaths were laid at each veterans grave in December, at Arlington National Cemetery. What does down, must come up and Saturday was the annual wreath retrieval/clean up day.

Wreaths Across America sponsors this annual event, beginning to end, placement and removal of the wreaths. It is such a touching way to remember U.S. veterans. And of course, in another way, it has always taught me that freedom isn't free.

I have no idea what moves me, but, I am always reading the graves stones, wondering about these people and who they are, where they came from and what they were like. Djibouti, Africa. Some people do not even know where that is. I only remember it when it was going on... before that, I took my map out and circled the globe in search of it. So far away from home. Rest in peace, my friends. Rest in peace. There are so many other little pieces of family here, and sometimes not family at all. A comrade, a caring soul wandering among the graves, waiting to be touched by one. Yes. People really do that.

Today is brought to you by #BeautifulSunday by @Ace108 where you show off how you spend your day and also #SublimeSunday by @c0ff33a where any random post will do. You know I have to have my coffee, every day. No bartering or begging, please. Just serve it on up!

Pararescue Creed

“It is my duty as a Pararescueman to save life and to aid the injured. I will be prepared at all times to perform my assigned duties quickly and efficiently, placing these duties before personal desires and comforts. These things we (I) do, that others may live.”

source

Not my photo. I actually don't bring a camera or phone as it is too much trouble and I am there to do a job. No pockets and the weather was warm yesterday, so not even a jacket. I took some two days before and then again today after it was done

The gates opened up at 8 am and you always try to get there early. There are literally thousands of people behind you. What does that say about people? I have to admit, these are the times when my faith in human beings is restored. Volunteer somewhere, anywhere. You will meet the most amazing people who have much to give. Of course, where ever I go, whatever I do, I seem to meet the most incredible people.

And, of course, we must have a flower, always...to color my world. I dedicate this picture to #SundayPurple for the #ColorChallenge by @Kalemandra. Nobody colors like she does.

They have rules in place so that the only wreaths that are picked up are the ones from Wreaths Across America. All the other wreaths, flowers and decorations stay behind. Some decorate the trees, some leave teddy bears and other expressions of their love. How can you not let the love flow? When gathered, you put them in the dumpsters that are all over the cemetery. If that is full, resist the urge to stomp them down, that is certainly verboten. You have to walk further down the road and find another one, that hopefully is not full. There were plenty of them.

Of course, how can I not connect with this? I now have a face to the name, and they made a special vase to hold flowers, with his picture on it, flowers all over and just with these small bits, I feel like I know him just a little. "Buck" was definitely a guy who was fun and love. I can feel it.

Thank you for visiting my post 💖 Because of you, I come back to post, again and again, where the conversation becomes deeper, creating a circle of intimacy. You, me, and the world around us. We share our friendship, companions of the surrounding love. I raise my glass to you, my friends. For you are what makes me come back to this place and share in your writings, your pictures, your life. Kindness counts. Wherever you go, whatever you do.

they set my aunts house on fire
i cried the way women on tv do
folding at the middle
like a five pound note.
i called the boy who use to love me
tried to ‘okay’ my voice
i said hello
he said warsan, what’s wrong, what’s happened?

i’ve been praying,
and these are what my prayers look like;
dear god
i come from two countries
one is thirsty
the other is on fire
both need water.

later that night
i held an atlas in my lap
ran my fingers across the whole world
and whispered,
"where does it hurt?"
it answered,

"everywhere"
"everywhere"
"everywhere"

warsan shire