My Birthday 2008

This year was great. On the Friday before my birthday I met my parents and we drove down to Arlington, VA. When we got up on my birthday we got dressed and ventured out into the cold. Our destination, Arlington National Cemetery. We arrived and had to wait a little while in the cold but at the appointed time a representative from the cemetery went to the podium to discuss the days event. We were there to help place over 10,000 wreaths on the tombstones of our fallen heroes. The fact that it was my birthday was just an awesome coincidence. Several people spoke before we got started, including the man who DONATES these wreaths each year (this was the 17th). He said that this year there were 2 tractor trailers full and next year there will be 3! That's over 16,000 wreaths. There were probably 3 or 4 thousand volunteers who braved the cold that morning. Our task went smoothly and quickly. But to stand back and see all those wreaths was awesome. We also put wreaths at the tombstones of my Mom's great-aunt and great-uncle. Then it was back to the hotel where I received my gifts. The new 2008 Hess Truck, a Rick and Bubba book, a gift certificate to Apple Tree restaurant and dinner that night. We also went to the Smithsonian Institute of American History. All in all one GREAT birthday. This was our second year helping place those wreaths and we are probably going back next year. If you are able I would recommend taking the time to go and volunteer. A small price to pay to show our fallen the kindness they deserve. However for those not into traveling I think they also have some wreath ceremonies here locally.