Today parking was free as were shuttles up to the Amphitheatre and Tombs of he Unknown but with free comes lots of restrictions – like no big bags, no water bottles, and security check points everywhere together with military in dress blues – guess you need that when there are live dignitaries in the cemetery. But with the realization that there would be lots of people at the ceremonies and lots of security checks, we decided to venture off to Section 60. Actually I suggested it as an alternative and no one else had ever been there.
I am emotionally moved by Section 60. Always. And today was no different. As I entered, I met a young man who lost his dad to a parachute accident in Arizona after three tours in Iraq. His name is John, his dad was Tom. He and his mother and sister often visit Section 60; today his grandmother was along as well, she was Tom’s mother. John loves military aircraft and would like to fly someday. He’s not sure he wants to join the military, but he wants to fly. He was a wonderful young man. I believe he said that he was 11 years old.
As I wandered on, I was attracted to a stone with a birthday balloon. This was Justin’s grave. A little distance away was a woman about my age and several others folks as well. I asked if she was Justin’s mom – but I didn’t need to ask, I knew. What a wonderful woman. She lives in New Hampshire and was here for Justin’s birthday – November 10th – yesterday. Justin would have been 24 years old.
His mother talked about what a wonderful son he was, about how he planned a proposal to his girlfriend, how he loved the army, about his anticipated return home, and his position as a gunner on a Humvee – until it hit an IED on a fateful day in March 2007. She lost her son that day, and six other
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mothers lost their children in that same incident. She shared that when the army returned his personal effects, his digital camera had an untouched memory card; apparently these are usually cleaned before returning; his had photos and a recent video. Through these, she was able to be a part of his last days. I am sure those pictures and especially the video of free time antics will be treasured always. Justin’s mom, Rhonda, is a special mother.This is not my first visit to Section 60. I always leave emotionally drained - last time I was angry - this time I felt a relationship with Justin's family. I felt personally touched - no kicked in the butt - by this war ... and I hurt.
Happy Birthday Justin
Today I felt Veteran's Day, and it didn't feel very good.
2 comments:
Thanks for sharing this, Mary.
Wow.. That's pretty powerful, Mary. I could tell you were moved. You helped draw us all in to the families on a personal level, and I'm so glad you did.
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