More than "A Few Good Men"

"A Few Good Men" is a really good movie- but it's just that, a movie. Tom Cruise is one great actor, Kevin Bacon's proven to be more than the one-movie wonder many thought after "Footloose", and Jack Nicholson is surely one of the greatest actors of our time and made "You can't handle the truth!" a great companion to "Heeeeeeeeeere's Johnny!" in silver screen history.

More than a few good men rest below- taken last July on a quick trip back to D.C. for a friend's Navy retirement. Arlington National Cemetery is a special place- one I use no cliche in calling hallowed ground. In more than 7 years of living in Washington, I spent a great deal of time there. Call me crazy, but I don't talk when I'm there. I remain silent out of respect for the fallen, and but my remaining silent doesn't equate to silence- as our nation's heroes do all of the talking that's necessary....

Rows and rows of plain-looking stones...some resting under shade of large trees and some seeing precious little time covered by even a shadow. Captains and corporals, soldiers and sailors- every stone tells a story, and while each is different each is the same. Each gets a small American flag and a salute a couple of times a years- and for 99.9% of them it's the only visit they receive. Not everyone has an Eternal Flame- but every one is owed our eternal gratitude.

Arlington looks to make everyone's ultimate sacrifice an equal one, and for the most part does so. It's an awesome and humbling sight to see that whomever lies beneath the front of stone #33 3408 rests beneath the same type stone as Medal of Honor recipient (not "winner") Audie Murphy. At Arlington, the most decorated serviceman our nation's ever known is just one of the boys once again.

I urge everyone to visit Arlington if you get the opportunity, and to step away from the Kennedy sites to walk amongst the many men and women that have given their lives towards allowing you to earn a living or any other profession you see fit. Say a few words or short prayer if you wish. But don't be too loud about it- our heroes are sleeping.

As for me, I'll most likely make my next trip there in a year or two- maybe three if the good Lord's wiling. One of my uncles, Lt. General Lazarus H. Todd (USAF, Ret.) is in his mid-90's and although he spent 36 years of his life serving our nation, he's going to have to rest one day, too.