So ... tomorrow we're going to DC to visit The Wall and new WWII Memorial

[Stinky The Clown]

We've not been to the WWII memorial yet. It was dedicated last year on my Dad's birthday, which, for us, was very special. We decided not to go, choosing instead to watch it all on television. But this year, we're going. For my Dad and for Sparkly's Dad. And for all the WWII vets, who waited longer for their memorial than we waited for the one honoring those who died in my generation's war.

I don't know how I'll react when I get there, but I know it won't be easy. I get weepy even thinking about it. Sparkly says I'm an old sap. And I suppose the's right. I've been to The Wall countless times. Going back to before the walk was installed, before the flagpole was installed, before the Women's Memorial was installed. Back when it was a simple, stark, black scar cut into the dirt of National Mall.

I blubber ever time. But I keep going back.

[Bluzmann57]

1. That is a great picture!

And may all these men and women rest in peace. Hope your trip goes well. And hey, I'm a man and I get sorta weepy too, when I think about those who did what they felt they had to and paid the ultimate price. Lets hope that somebody, somewhere gets our troops out of Iraq before it's too late.

[babylonsister]

2. Please blubber a wee bit for

all of us that can't be there. I salute you and all the men and women those memorials were dedicated to.

[longship]

3. FDR Memorial

Make sure that you visit the FDR Memorial. It is unforgettable.

[cap]

4. FDR memorial is great.

eom

[Stinky The Clown]

5. We've been there

We live less than an hour from the Mall (car then metro ride). All those memorials are incredible. For me, they take me back to a time before the current insanity. They also give me hope that we will, once again, return to national sanity.

But then I look and listen. The division in this country is so deep, I find it hard to imagine that there can be any healing. There seems to be no notion other winning or losing. And that's horribly wrong. Our national discourse is more akin to rooting for Dale Earnhart or The Dallas Cowboys or the Hero du Jour on the WWF. War. Battles. Winners.

I want a healing.