Cold and wet, but it was worth it…

On Veterans Day I went to Arlington to observe the ceremonies to honor our veterans.  I wanted to make sure that I was able to get a good seat in the amphitheater where the event was to take place, so I arrived in plenty of time.  I was standing outside the gates of Arlington Cemetery at 6:45 am.  I was a little early, but soon after people started coming and the line began to grow.  I was the fifth person in line.  At 8:00 they let us in the gates and directed us to shuttle buses that would take us to the amphitheater.  It was nice to get on the bus because it was about 45 degrees and raining.
 

When I arrived at the amphitheater there were a number of metal detectors that I had to go through.  Once past the metal detectors I could either go to the back of the amphitheater to watch as President Obama laid the wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier or go inside the amphitheater to see the other events.  I decided to go inside where most of the events were to take place.  I sat in the cold rain for two more hours until 10:30.  That is when the United States Air Force Concert Band started to play.  President Barack Obama, the First Lady, Vice-President Joe Biden and his wife arrived and took their seats.  The ceremony began around 11:30 with the National Emblem March, where veterans marched to the front caring flags.  The ceremony began with a prayer for veterans, given by the Director of Veterans Affairs Chaplain Service.

President Obama then spoke for about 10 minutes honoring those individuals who have served in our armed forces.  It was a great opportunity to pay respect to those who have served our country.  There are not many opportunities for the average citizen to personally see and listen to the President speak, so if that is something that interests you, this would be a good way to get the chance.  No tickets are required to attend, so the earlier you arrive the better seat you get.

After the ceremony I was tired, cold, and wet.  However, I am glad that I went because I will probably never have the opportunity to go again.  If you spend a fall semester interning in DC I recommend you take advantage of the privilege to pay your respects and honor those who have served and are now serving our country by attending any of Veterans Day ceremonies that are held in Washington DC.