Thursday, July 1, 2010

Of All Places...!!!

This bureaucracy that has come to be known as Washington DC, the place that we, as Americans grow continually more cynical, and weary of it's every move, has now infuriated me in such a way, that I honestly don't think the reputation of corrupt capitulation, cruel and capricious actions, and blatant acceptance of the status quo, that it's come to be recognized for, in my lifetime anyway, can ever be restored. Recently, an article in the Washington Post states, "Chaos at Arlington National Cemetery: Mismarked graves, dumping of urns....."
I'm certain I speak for all Veterans of all branches, for anyone who has has served this Country, for all the families who have had a loved one fall in battle, succumbed to maladies or torture at the hand of the enemy or even the past mistakes of our very own Country, not to mention the ones who have lived their entire lives, having to remember the horrors of war. Having to remember friends and loved ones lost, then laid to rest at this National Treasure. It makes my blood boil to think that the final resting place for our hero's is being mismanaged by people who just don't care ! This my friends is an abomination !!!
The cemetery, which surrounds Arlington House, once the home of Gen. Robert E. Lee, is across the Potomac River from the District. It averages 27 funerals each workday and about 100 a week, and is known for it's rows and rows of modest white tombstones. More than 300,000 people are buried there, including 2 Presidents, scores and scores of Generals and Admirals, and tens of thousands of men and women who have served this Country, their spouses and children.
Arlington National Cemetery, most definitely, is Halowed Ground !!! At the very least, we owe our very lives to the occupants at rest within it's confines. In my opinion, not one blade of grass should be out of place, much less have a hero's ashes dumped out in a pile of turned over dirt, a grave marker placed on the wrong or even empty crypt. My God America....!!! We can place a cruise missile into the bedroom window of a third world country's dictator's daughter just to make a statement..... But we can't maintain a Cemetery !!! What's wrong with this picture ?
Granted, burials at Arlington have skyrocketed in recent years, more than 100,000 since 1990, and in light of that, staff has been cut from 140 to 97. (Why do you suppose that is?)
All I can say is.... President Obama, I know how much you like "Stimulus", and I know you like to spend money that you know we don't have. So on the eve of our Countries Independence Day, and a day among the most somber, when America remembers her fallen heroes. How about this, you know that little box on our income tax forms asking if we would like to donate a dollar to the Presidential re-election campaign ? See what happens if you change that to donate a dollar to the upkeep at Arlington, and watch the influx of cash to your coffers. I know I speak for all Americans, not just those who have served, why don't you throw a few bucks towards Arlington.... Stimulate patriotism.... Stimulate the preservation of our heritage... Stimulate the gratitude of a grateful Nation.... My God.... Of all Places !!!



David W. Emerick
"Cowboy"

3 comments:

  1. Dave once again you are target ...our gov should not only pay for those at Arlington but all graves that those who have paid the Ultimate sacrifice should have a special marker paid by the US gov to honor these incredible people, the cost to us versus the cost they paid , to honor them in a special way should not even be a question...take money from the Welfare program

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  2. What a wonderful description of how many of us feel on this subject. I do not have any military in my family, but I deeply feel the pain of those who are suffering from this despicable act that has only added to the loss these families suffer.

    Thank you for sharing, you are an inspiration to many. God has given you a gift, I pray he continues to give you the inspiration to write and write. You have definitely touched the lives of many, in more ways than you know.

    May God always be with you in all you do.

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  3. Very well said Dave you speak for a lot of people who feel the same way you do. I for one was appalled at what happened and there is absolutely no excuse for it. There is no comparison to what it costs the government as what it cost those that are buried there. Keep writing as you do that very well right from the heart.

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