Arlington by National Geographic

[Charger_Croatia]

There was a TV special report here about Arlington (National Geographic). I knew about it but after seeing complete report I feel like I need to say few words here. It was so different to see all that, rather than read on newspapers or magazines.
And I must say that I was so impressed with Honor Guards. And with organisation of funeral for soldier (Commanding Officer) who lost his life in Iraq.
Even far away I was full with emotions. "Now that's the way to treat heroes!" - that was on my mind. We have our heroes here from last war in Croatia, against communism, and I was so sad to remember how some of them are forgotten. My eyes were full of tears.

At the end of that report I had one thought on my mind: "God bless all heroes, those who rest in Arlington and those who are forgotten with no marks on their graves!"

[RD]

There was a TV special report here about Arlington (National Geographic). I knew about it but after seeing complete report I feel like I need to say few words here. It was so different to see all that, rather than read on newspapers or magazines.
And I must say that I was so impressed with Honor Guards. And with organisation of funeral for soldier (Commanding Officer) who lost his life in Iraq.
Even far away I was full with emotions. "Now that's the way to treat heroes!" - that was on my mind. We have our heroes here from last war in Croatia, against communism, and I was so sad to remember how some of them are forgotten. My eyes were full of tears.

At the end of that report I had one thought on my mind: "God bless all heroes, those who rest in Arlington and those who are forgotten with no marks on their graves!"

good show Petar.  There are a lot of misconceptions about the U.S. in regards to traditions and history considering we are still a very young country in the worldwide scheme of things.  Much of our traditions stem from European roots.  But there are new traditions that are developed and are specificly associated with the U.S. also.  The Honor Guard at the Arlington National Cemetary can be compared to those that have the same purpose in the UK and other European countries.  I have met some former honor guard members when I was in the Army and they viewed it as an esteemed honor to do what they did and would not trade the experience for anything.

You know, I am glad that they are showing parts of U.S. tradition like that in other countries.  Far too often I see individuals from other countries generalizing and stereotyping U.S. citizens based upon the TV programming that pops out of hollywood.  There is so many different sides of the U.S. that even its citizens will have difficulty seeing them all in their own lifetime.  Welcome to a positive glimpse of our culture Petar.  There is so much more to offer.  I hope you get a greater chance to see more of it.

Aj' Bog,
Jamey

[HDCharger]

Charger Croatia, Thanks for that, it made my day.  I have been in the US Army 20 plus years.  I have been to war torn Bosnia as part of 10th Mountain Division in 1999.  I also have done 3 tours in the Middle East, 1 in Kuwait and 2 in Iraq.  I saw with my own eyes the nameless graves of the countless soldiers and innocent civilians that were all but forgotten.  I can tell you first hand that it makes things alot easier knowing that your Country will take care for you and your family if something happens.  If you get captured or killed you will not be forgotten or left behind.  Not taking anything away from the ABC news anchor hurt by the roadside bomb in Iraq but these are the things thousands of US and Allied soldiers face daily in Iraq.  I have walked the grounds of Arlington (Gen Robert E. Lee's plantation by the way) and I can say there are many American that feel the same way.  I wish there were more.    Unfortunately it seems mainstream America doesen't realize there is even a war going on and it IS for the very survival of ours (and your) way of life.  Radical Islam has made in roads into mainland Europe, Philliphines, Central and South America and the United States.  In my opinion we are doing the exact right thing and I'm grateful we have a President with the courage to do something about it now before it is too late.  I understand there are many that disagree and that is OK, that is what America is all about.  Anyway, I may have got off topic a bit but thanks for your thoughts, I know my fallen friends would think the same.  Master Sergeant David Scott.  Intelligence Analyst, 5th Special Forces (Airborne).