Weekend in DC

It was a very good weekend to be in DC. Because of the World War II Memorial dedication on Saturday, there were lots of veterans in town, giving this Memorial Day weekend a particularly direct poignance. On more than one occasion I found myself brimming with pride at the sight of these older men who served our country so well, served the world so well. That kind of pride has been a bit lacking for me after weeks of bad news coming out of Iraq, bolstering my doubts about the righteousness and efficacy of our endeavors in that desert land. It was a welcome and much needed reminder that America has been a force for good in the world, that light does come from the darkness, that strength endures.

On that note, I visited the World War II Memorial the weekend before its dedication, knowing it would be less crowded. I thought it represented the perfect blend of respect and honor. It shows respect for the sacrifices that were made and the lives lost, yet has an atmosphere not so somber as the Vietnam Memorial. As such, the memorial also does honor to the splendid freedom for which the sacrifices were made. It is a place where three or four generations can come together, where one can pay solemn homage to those who died for a righteous cause while at the same time children laugh and play in the water, perfectly epitomizing the joy and independence America stands for. I think it is a wonderful place.

Phil Carter has some excellent thoughts on the holiday weekend.