Donna Teresa: Arlington National Cemetery, here, there and everywhere

By Donna Teresa Monterey Herald

On May 13, 1864, the first military service man was interred in Arlington National Cemetery. Ever since, the cemetery has been a symbol of dignity and valor. Presidents, slaves, civilians and other notables have had the privilege of having their final resting place in this sacred ground. However, the majority of those buried at Arlington are the men and women in uniform.

I recently reflected on my visit to Arlington. On the plane ride home, I remembered the awe and humility I felt as I walked by the seemingly endless rows of headstones. It was a feeling I could not explain or put into words. It was surreal. Such history, so many stories … years and years of it buried there. Then I thought, does America realize that this cemetery holds just a fraction of the valor and courage of war? Other military veterans are buried in cemeteries all over the United States and at memorials in other parts of the world. Many veterans are still missing in action. Standing there I did not feel alone, I just felt an immense sense of pride knowing that these people, who I never knew, could do what I could never do. They answered a call to service that many Americans would never volunteer for. I felt the sadness as I read the names. I thought of their families, always the families. This October had been another month of heartbreak as the number of American casualties continued to rise in the Middle East. One death is too much for me, and when many lose their lives together in a short time, the sadness weighs heavily on my heart. I know that somewhere, someplace in America, a military family is getting a knock on the door. It should be a sound of welcome and joy. But instead it instills fear and often results in feelings of loss and grief.

Media coverage of flag-draped coffins has not been allowed for almost 20 years. During the Vietnam War, negative public opinion about the war escalated. After the Vietnam War, many administrations adopted the "no media" rule. It is a rule that has since been lifted by the Obama administration. Sentiments about the rule are mixed. Some families welcome the privacy, some are angry that the caskets have been hidden from public view for so long, with casket transportation being done in the evenings out of the public eye. Many families have given permission for photos to be shown in newspapers and on television. There are those who feel that by hiding these image, the American people do not get a complete picture of the reality of war. I think it should be the personal choice of the families of the fallen that needs to be respected by all.

Arlington may be located in Virginia, but there is a piece of Arlington where you live, in every state. I encourage you to visit your nearest cemetery and read the headstones of the men and women who have served and sacrificed from every war. That name represents someone’s mother, father, son, daughter, brother, sister, wife, husband or friend. Veterans Day is approaching — please recognize the duty service and sacrifice of all our veterans fallen and living. There is an Arlington here, there and everywhere. Appreciate the veterans, remember them. To our veterans everywhere, thank you so very much for serving. It has always been my honor to write about you and to know many of you through the years.

Donna Teresa can be reached at [email protected].