Wednesday, October 14, 2009

memorials and memories

this morning we hit up dc's favorite past-time - the monuments! we started with the washington monument and worked our way through to the korean war memorial. what incredible artistry...

as we were walking solemnly through the world war II memorial i couldn't help but send my infamous "death-glare" glances toward an annoying group of middle school boys and girls who seemed more interested in flirting than anything else. i had just about had it when i noticed several war veterans and their wives approaching. anticipating the horror of how disrespected these men and women would be when face to face with the little terrors, i anxiously watched on.

what i saw next was something i will never forget.

the pre-teen boys quit their female counterparts, excitedly approached the older gentlemen in their uniform hats, and nervously asked if they would mind having their picture taken with them. my jaw dropped. in the exact moment when i thought all hope was lost for this next generation, they proved me wrong. in the exact moment when i thought these boys would completely dishonor how those men so graciously served, they treated them like the heroes that they are.

as they gathered for the photo, the men stood tall with their shoulders back and their heads held high. the boys timidly mimicked their every move. when at last it was time to take the photo, they all smiled from ear to ear. picture perfect.

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