Here rests in honored glory an American soldier known but to God. It’s a cold day. The wind is swift and crisp. Patriotism floats on the back of the dancing autumn trees. Nature is participating in the activities of the day. Around us on designated manicured lawns are white marble, diagonal stretches of the heroes of the day, cold in their graves. The Marine Corps Band is a stream of polished navy and red pearls, winding down the gray path away from us. We, The Hill School’s media group - photographers from Mr. Washington’s photography class (sponsored by the Department of Veterans Affairs and Mr. Emerson Sanders P'00, a staff photographer for the VA) - shuffle past veterans, sons of veterans, daughters of veterans, wives of veterans, husbands of veterans, reporters, and photographers, to make our way to the Amphitheatre at Arlington National Cemetery. Today is the national observance of Veterans Day.

The date of November 11 of each year has been set aside as a national holiday in honor of the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country. The date originally recalls the date of 11/11/1911 which marked the Armistice ending World War I.

It is held at Arlington National Cemetery, the burial place for many war veterans and noted U.S. citizens, and home to the sacred Tomb of the Unknowns. The Tomb of the Unknowns was completed in 1932 to honor the unknown service men that died in the nation’s wars. It is guarded by The Old Guard (The 3rd U.S Infantry) 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. The President, or another distinguished person, lays a wreath on the tomb during the Wreath Ceremony on Veterans Day.

We had an opportunity to speak with Jim Tuohy, the director of the Marine Corps League, and Mike Bloom, both Marine Corps veterans of the Vietnam War:

What do you remember about the Vietnam War?
Tuohy: It was tough and the people [Vietnamese] were very nice.
Bloom: It was difficult but necessary.

Do you have any regrets?
Tuohy: None.
Bloom: Never.

What lessons did you learn?
Tuohy: Self discipline and motivation.
Bloom: Leadership skills.

Do you have any words of advice?
Tuohy: Always protect your freedom.
Bloom: Wars are never good but you always must be prepared to fight a war.

For as long as America exists, credit is due to men and women like Tuohy and Bloom. This feeling is always captured in the Veterans Day Address. This year, President Barack Obama graced the occasion and soulfully gave the address. Skillfully removing the attention from himself and shining the beam on the deserving veterans, he said, “We are gathered here, mindful that we are guests here.” He assured the veterans that they have returned to “an America that will forever be here for you like you have been there for us.” He further announced that “in just a few weeks the war in Iraq will finally be over,” to which the crowd vigorously applauded. Particularly moving was his story about a young boy with Down’s syndrome named Jeremy. Jeremy worked tirelessly without complaint in his hometown to prepare for the arriving veterans. When he finally took a break from his work he asked his mom if President Obama would be proud of him. President Obama announced for all to hear: “Jeremy, I am proud of you and your country is proud of you.”

At the end of the address the crowd cheered in appreciation. The President waved goodbye and I stood struck by the love that radiated from each person… Love for one’s country.

Tshepo Tumelo '12 is a student from Maru a Pula School in Botswana. She is planning on majoring in finance or journalism in college.