American Cemeteries in Foreign Lands

When I was a student at National War College in Washington, DC one of the great opportunities that I was afforded was going on a regional studies trip.  My little group went to Tunisia, Morrocco, and Spain.  It was a great three weeks.  We saw places we'd never imagined, had access to very high-level government personnel, and learned a ton about that region of the world.  It also served to expand our thinking quite a bit.  It's funny how we think one thing and then when we get up close and personal, a lot of perceptions are dashed.  Such was the case when we went to China last month.

During the course of the trip, we were given the honor of presiding over a wreath laying at the American Cemetery at Carthage, Tunisia.  We had been told to bring our uniforms in case ceremonies such as this would occur.  As the senior military officer, I was the guy who led the group in laying the wreath.  It was an enormous honor!  I have been to American Cemeteries in the Philippines and France besides this one and they never fail to have an enormous impact.  To visit a piece of Americana which can be a little bit of tranquility in a sea of chaos is inspiring and allows one to reflect on the enormous sacrifices our countrymen and women have made to keep us safe.  As we laid the wreath at the ceremony, I dare say there wasn't a dry eye in the house.  This included some pretty hardened and experienced US military and State Department folks.  As I said, it was an honor and as I reflect back on it this Memorial Day, it really brings home the meaning of this holiday.