Memorial Day 2008

For Memorial Day this year I was able to ride the train from Williamsburg up to Washington DC for the ceremony at The Wall. I was able to meet up with my Aunt and Mother and some of my Yellow Hat Uncles. It was an amazing time as always. For those of you who missed the ceremony the main keynote speakers were US Army Joint Chief of Staff, Gen. George Casey, Jr. and US Army Captain David Moses. Captain Moses is a our family through my mother...the ceremony can be seen here. Captain Moses tells his journey from a Lost Boy of Sudan to a US Citizen and Soldier. He has completed two tours in Iraq and has an amazing story so be sure to watch his speech...even Gen. Casey thought Capt Moses' speech was the best one on the day!

L to R: Gold Star Moms, Gen. Barry McCaffrey, Capt. David Moses, Gen. George Casey

Earlier in the morning I had been at the Vietnam Women's Memorial listening to the storytelling sessions they have every year. While I was there I was approached by several members of the 25th Infantry Division Association who after noticing the riding vest I wear in memory of my grandad, which has the 25th ID insignia all over it, they asked me to be the wreath bearer during the official ceremony. At the conclusion of the ceremony my Aunt and I had the honor of laying the wreath at The Wall.

My Aunt and I laying the wreath of the 25th Infantry Division at The Wall

It was an honor to be a wreath bearer this year. At the conclusion of the ceremony I had an opportunity to briefly meet professional actor Robert Patrick. Mr. Patrick was in the original X-Files TV series, starred in Terminator 2, and currently can be seen portraying Col. Tom Ryan in The Unit on CBS.

Actor Robert Patrick and I

When everything was said and done, my Aunt, Mother, and I returned to Williamsburg where my Mother and Aunt were able to spend some time seeing what it is I do here at work...here's some shots from their visit you can enlarge all images by double clicking on each one: