Arlington Natonal Cemetery

So here’s the problem with writing posts 3 and 4 days later, you forget stuff ‘cause at midnight, after a long day walking all over D.C. Chucky’s brain and body are a bit fried.

In between Reagan Airport and the McGlynn’s, we neglected to report on our side trip to Arlington National Cemetary [ANC].

It was in the original agenda for the AM and since it was on the way to Clifton from DCA, a good chance for a HoHo tour of ANC and to hook up with DL’s Cousin YiYi [real name Edelia, nickname GiGi in Cuban speak = YiYi] who lives in the area . 

We had exposed the boys to videos of the changing of the guard at the Tomb of The Unknown Soldier and they were anxious to see it up close. 

We also had another mission there.  Our Dear Friend, Brutha Earl Sedlik of Seattle has an older brother buried there and we will use the ANC Explorer App to locate his grave and pay tribute. 

Jay Martin Sedlik was a Bronze Star decorated Lt Col in the Air Force who did 3 tours in Vietnam as an Air Force Photographer.  He would be in the 2^nd plane behind the bombing runs to photograph the strike and coordinate all the photography for the ensuing briefings of the upper brass.

Jay is Jewish so Dave and Jon had selected stones from our rock garden to place on his headstone as a tribute and remembrance.

After the obligatory missed turn and traditional girare-U, we pull into the Parking garage in time to see YiYi waiting for us and a spot opening up right next to the entrance.

If you haven’t had the opportunity to visit ANC, it is a must for your bucket list.  It is truly awesome to travel through history and witness the magnitude if this national monument.  The vistas and grandeur of this place is truly breathtaking.

A Hop Off at the JFK memorial and a long line to get on the next led to the Tomb of the Unknown, just in time for the changing of the guard.  Chucky and the boys got separated from DL and YiYi and tried to get as close to the middle as possible.  The ladies got the better spot, right where the Sargent of the Guard inspects the incoming guard.  In all, the ceremony was as somber and awesome as recalled on YouTube, but up close and REAL. 

And then a bonus.  Two High schools were there to lay wreaths at the tomb in 2 separate ceremonies, complete with a bugler playing TAPS. 

Here's a link to our own YouTube video of these special events.

Change Of Guard- Arlington 4.9.17

The boys were Super Impressed with it all and then we were off to catch the next bus for the completion of the tour.

Once back at the Visitors Center, it was time to locate Jay’s Gravesite.  Using the ANC APP the boys were able to find the location, but getting there was not as easy as expected. Since they have some serious construction in the area, it was impossible to go out the back door of the VC and across the parking lot as Brutha Earl had directed and after some directions from a park employee, we found Section 54 and began the numbers count to locate gravesite 1771.  

The Gravesite location is noted on the back of the Headstone as 54 1771. Dave was the first to spot it and he and Jon placed the stones they brought to pay honor to a Dear Friend's Family Member.

Hugs and Bessitos with YiYi who had to rush off to prepare for her long day at work Monday [she is in the Pentagon’s Logistic Division] and we were off to find the McGlynn’s with RODAH in the lead.

The rest you already know from the last post so we'll continue this romp through the Nation’s Capitol with Monday’s excursion aboard the DC Trails HoHo bus for a panoramic view of  D.C.

C-Ya Tomorrow.

Ciao 4 Now

Uncle Chuck & The Happy visiting with her Cuz,

Dragon Lady