Memorial Day: For Those Who Serve

There are certain times that make me proud to live in Washington, DC. One of them, which happens every year, is Memorial Day weekend. Its a holiday where American war veterans from all over the country descend upon the National Mall and the surrounding area, many of them arriving via motorcycle to participate in the Rolling Thunder parade. Their presence brings the war memorials and monuments to life, as these are the men who served with those Soldiers who are memorialized here. Each and every one of the thousands who have completed their pilgrimage to the District brings with them memories and stories that those of us who have never served will never fully understand. I spend a lot of time on The Mall, as it is one of my favorite places to go for a jog, but it always looks its best on Memorial Day.

I arrived on The Mall today yet again taken aback by the number of motorcycles that were there. In every direction, as I approached the Lincoln Memorial, there were bikes parked in straight rows on the grass and bikers riding them in formation in the streets. It actually reminded me of a being at a Phish show where there are so many of them, who would typically stand out on a normal day. Today, it was the bikers, with their leather vests, embroidered patches, and pins who were the norm, among their brethren, claiming the Mall as their own.

Below are some pictures I took today with my iPhone. The last one is a shot of gathered veterans taking up every inch of the Lincoln Memorial steps. It was pretty moving to see them all there looking out over the reflecting pool, Washington Monument, World War II Memorial, Vietnam Wall, and Korean War Memorial.