The view is incredible. The grass is so green and manicured to perfection. Off to the right you see soldiers dressed in blues standing at attention and in the backdrop are rows and rows of monuments. The band is playing while the family is being seated. The horse drawn carriage pulls up. Then you hear the command.
It will be difficult to put into words what I felt while watching Brandon perform his duties at Arlington Cemetery in this full honors ceremony. The discipline and precision with which his unit performs is extraordinary. I've heard the command, I know it's coming; but even so, my heart skips a beat, then another, and still another. A life has come to an end. Suddenly I am very aware of the incredible price of freedom. I feel the tears well up inside of me. I feel incredible sorrow for the family sitting on the picturesque hillside. All is silent. I bow my head and thank God that I am only an observer.
I'm very proud of the duties that Brandon performs 3 to 4 times a day. But now I'm very aware of how surreal his days must be. Day after day, time after time, Brandon watches families bury their loved ones. I know that he has spoken to fathers, shaken the hands of family, and tried as he may to give words of comfort. It must tug at his heart as it did mine. The familiarity of the loss of one you love so dearly must come rushing back to him as it did me. He is strong.
It will be difficult to put into words what I felt while watching Brandon perform his duties at Arlington Cemetery in this full honors ceremony. The discipline and precision with which his unit performs is extraordinary. I've heard the command, I know it's coming; but even so, my heart skips a beat, then another, and still another. A life has come to an end. Suddenly I am very aware of the incredible price of freedom. I feel the tears well up inside of me. I feel incredible sorrow for the family sitting on the picturesque hillside. All is silent. I bow my head and thank God that I am only an observer.
I'm very proud of the duties that Brandon performs 3 to 4 times a day. But now I'm very aware of how surreal his days must be. Day after day, time after time, Brandon watches families bury their loved ones. I know that he has spoken to fathers, shaken the hands of family, and tried as he may to give words of comfort. It must tug at his heart as it did mine. The familiarity of the loss of one you love so dearly must come rushing back to him as it did me. He is strong.
