“One can show no greater respect than to weep for a stranger.” —Jose Saramago
It was in May of 1988 when my sweet hubby Norm announced to me that he was ready to “get out of Dodge” so to speak. Working in our computer development company, Norm needed a “time out” period.
“Be patient and indulge me, please, Colly,” Norm said. “I believe I have designed a vacation you will enjoy.” With this said, gone were my thoughts of Hawaii with its palm trees swaying, pina coladas and sunsets by the poolside.
Instead, we checked into a hotel in Washington, D.C, an early dinner in its restaurant, and bed by nine o’clock p.m. The hotel wakeup call came at 7 a.m.
I was an unhappy traveler by this time.
That morning, after a continental breakfast in our room, we were met by a gentleman wearing a black suit and a driver’s cap who introduced himself as Norman, who would be our driver for the next three days. Interesting, two Normans to deal with!
As I was being ushered into a long black limo, I began to forget about Hawaiian sunsets, settled back into my seat, and began what Norm had promised and what was to become, memories that would last a lifetime.
The first two days passed quicky—the Smithsonian museum, the Capitol and White House, and a great lunch at the Senate Dining Room, D.C.’s renowned restaurant, where at any given time you might see prominent politicians dining. Of course, I ordered the Senate Lobster Salad (see recipe below). That evening I had no idea those past two days and the day ahead would change my life forever and for the better.
On Memorial Day morning, our car turned into Arlington National Cemetery. My breath “caught” at the first sightings of the rows of stark white tombstones—row after row, as far as one could see, in precise measure were 400,000-plus tombstones bearing the names of sons, daughters, mothers, fathers, aunts, uncles, cousins; all who had given their lives, protecting our country.
I learned the ground I was standing on was first owned by Robert E. and Mary Lee, which was Arlington House. Mary Lee was the great-great-granddaughter of George Washington’s wife, Martha.
In 1864, all military cemeteries were overwhelmed, and the U.S. Army seized the estate, preventing the Lees from returning to their home.
Arlington had a freed slave, James Park, who oversaw the cemetery for 60 years living in Freeman’s Village along with other slaves freed by the U.S. Government. James took charge of the first burial of Pvt. William Christman of Pennsylvania, with full military honors, at Arlington Cemetery. James Park died in 1929 at the age of 93.
Arlington Cemetery is 693 acres, the size of 472 football fields, with 400,000 graves filled with the remains of military personnel from every major conflict. There are 27-30 funerals daily, with a waitlist of four to seven months.
Arlington’s grounds are filled with 3,000 cherry trees, which were donated by Japan in 1912. Its gravesites are guarded at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier 24/7 hours daily by military men and women who must meet stringent rules.
One must be in top physical shape with an exceptional military record. There are height restrictions, must be able to recite seven pages verbatim of the cemetery’s history, know grave locations, and must achieve a 95% score on its test. The prospective guard has a nine-month probation period prior to earning its badge.
The Tombstone Guard has a regimen to follow. Facing East taking 21 steps, then turning and facing West, taking 21 steps, symbolizing the 21-Gun Salute.
This guard position is highly coveted.
On this Memorial Day, I will remember my hubby introducing me to the most poignant vacation ever and I shall always remember his hand covering mine as the wreath was laid before the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
I will weep for my sweet hubby Norm and for all those men and women who have served our country. I will shed tears for their families and friends—for what was and for what could have been.
I will remember those words of Rudyard Kipling’s passage from Deuteronomy, “Lest We Forget.”
“You are being brought into the Promised Land, where you will inherit greatness at no cost. You will drink from wells you did not dig, eat from trees you did not plant, and be satisfied by land you did not till. Beware, Lest You Forget who brought you here and what He demands from you in return.” Amen.
The Senate Salad for Two
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise mixed with 2 Tbsp. lemon juice.
• 1 stalk celery finely diced.
• 2 scallions finely diced.
• 3 cups Lobster, Crab or Shrimp. (I had the Lobster.)
Line plate with iceberg lettuce and add lobster mixture on top of lettuce.
Garnish with avocado and hardboiled egg slices.
Enjoy!
Colly Gruczelak, a Ben Lomond resident, loves people and loves to cook. Contact her at cz****@*****st.net.
