Known & Unknown, We Remember…

In today’s rushed atmosphere, I’d like to ask you to slow down for even a few moments and remember those, known and unknown, who have fought so very hard for the freedoms we are afforded today.

We are allowed to disagree with each other because of free speech.

We are allowed to defend our homes and our families because we have the right to keep & bear arms.

We have the freedom to follow our hearts and our promptings individually and worship the God who we chose to worship.

I could go on and on, but the bottom line is this: without the sacrifices of the countless men & women who have literally laid down their lives for the sake of each one of us, we would be slaves to a government who dictates what we say, how we say it, how we protect our families and what God we should serve. Today, I stand thankful for the countless lives who died so that I can say that I am free to choose as I choose, regardless of what you think of my choices, they are mine to freely choose.

I have yet to personally be so moved and have a greater understanding for this sacrifice than when I visited Arlington National Cemetery. Rows upon rows of graves, each signifying a life spent in sacrifice for our freedom. There are over 200 acres of land that make up Arlington. Over 300,000 brave, valiant soldiers are buried there. These lives are part of our country’s story. They represent our brightest moments. They represent our darkest days. There are those who are known. There are those who are unknown. In Section 27 of the Cemetery, you’ll find 3,800 graves marked “Civilian” or “Citizen”. These are the graves of slaves who were known as “Contrabands” during the civil war. A life lost for freedom that would come for another.

Every year for the past 40 years, the Army’s 3rd Infantry (The Old Guard) place flags on every single one of the graves and niches in the Cemetery on the Friday before Memorial Day, to honor the often unsung heroes of our country. This tradition, known as “flags in” requires precision placement of the flag, placing them one foot in front & centered before each grave marker.

American flags are also placed at the graves of each of the four unknown service men interred at the Tomb of the Unknowns. The flags are carefully placed by the Tomb Sentinels, the majestically proud guardians of these unknown soldiers. The beautiful Tomb is strategically ornate. Sculpted into the east panel, which faces Washington, D.C., are three Greek figures, representing Peace, Victory and Valor. Into the Tomb was placed crypts of unknown soldiers from World War II, Korea & Vietnam. The haunting words: “Here Rests in Honored Glory an American Solder, Known but to God” are one of the most poignant phrases I’ve seen. And, The Sentinels do everything they can to ensure that those unknown soldiers are given the Honored Glory they deserve – from keeping vigil around the clock, making certain they never break formation and the precise steps and cadence, everything focused around the number 21, to keep honoring them. To keep providing Honored Glory. Presidents time and time again have taken time out of their busy schedules to stop and cause the world to pause in reverence as they place a wreath on behalf of all of us at the Tomb of the Unknown.

This Memorial Day, spend some time enjoying your families and your friends. And be thankful that you have the freedom to do as you choose and to live your life as you please, remembering we are given this gift because of those who died so that we can be free.

On a personal note, I’d like to thank my brave brother who served for many years in the Army that included several years as a Sergeant at The Old Guard. Your service there to the hundreds upon hundreds of families that you showed Honored Glory and grace to while you were there on behalf of all of us, your grateful nation, was truly amazing. You instilled in me a deeper sense of pride, honor and the sacrifices given for my freedom – one that I hope to capture and pass along to my kids and grandkids in the years to come. You gently remind me of these freedoms that were so sacrificially paid for on my behalf when I take them for granted. Your continued selfless sacrifice as a law enforcement officer amazes me every day. Your willingness to lay down your life for your family, for those you protect and for your “battle buddies” is one that many would say they would do but you’re one of the few who would carry it out. You are tremendously humble and wise beyond your years. I am so proud to be your sister and I love you very much. It is my prayer that one day you will live to see the genuine gratitude of a grateful nation, one that drops what they are doing to bring Honored Glory to your fallen brothers and sisters, no matter what.

Known. Unknown. We remember.

Kristen Desmangles
Media Chair & Correspondence Secretary