After a wonderful weekend, I spent last night downloading pictures from the camera, and putting them on Flickr, but I was easily distracted by programming on the TV in preparations for Veteran's Day tomorrow. I watched a show on the Smithsonian Channel about the Vietnam War and Memorial called "Remembering Vietnam- The Wall at 25". I thought it was very well done, not just talking about the war itself and highlighting various veterans' experiences, but also their reception upon return, some veteran's struggles to integrate back into everyday life, and how the memorial has been helpful and healing. I loved the highlight of the various items and notes left behind at the memorial and how archiving them has become a full-time job for a vet from Vietnam. I also watched the end of Saving Private Ryan on TNT.

It reminded me that I haven't been to visit the various memorials since my middle school trip up here from Greensboro. It is truly a shame that I haven't seen the new WWII memorial, Jefferson, Lincoln, the Wall, etc. in the 10 years I've lived here. I adore the art museums and need to take time out for them too, but perhaps owe it to those who have served to honor their sacrifices by paying homage to the memorials. Obviously tomorrow is going to be insanely crowded, and I have to work, but soon I should schedule time to enjoy those. I didn't miss the USS Arizona Memorial, nor the Punchbowl Cemetery when I was in Honolulu, so why should the local memorials receive less of my attention?

Regardless of where I get in the future, I do want to take the time to thank those who have served and those who serve. Freedom is not free, and I appreciate your service and sacrifices.