Yesterday I visited Arlington for the second time in 10 years. Embarassing considering I’ve been here 10 years. And I haven’t even been up the Washington Monument!

Saw all the necessary sights. The Tomb of Unknown Soldiers, JFK’s grave, Taft’s grave, and…decided to visit the Women’s Memorial (tribute to all women soldiers). Upon entering the air conditioned building (it was 90 degress outside and 3 people were treated by EMTs for heat exhaustion), I noticed a row of paintings on the side.

Upon closer look, I discovered the paintings were all works of art done by artists all over the United States. Every signle painting (5×7 size) was of a soldier who lost his/her life in Iraq or Afghanistan since 2001.

oh. my. god.

First, it didn’t hit me. I just walked past the paintings, but I started to see personal notes, items. Then I decided to read some of the notes left behind.

“We’re missing you.”

“I’m proud of you, I always think of you daily. Love, Mom”

“Things aren’t the same without you.”

And the one that really hit me:

“I miss you Daddy, XOXO Nathan” in a small child’s handwriting.

I wept.

Me, a guy who is sometimes sensitive about showing emotions in public (hey whattya expect? I’m a typical male!)

But, at that moment, I didn’t care who saw me. I wept.

I wept for Nathan. I wept for all of the soldiers who died fighting for something they believed in.

I’ll never forget that moment.

God Bless Our Troops.