Memorial Day

Memorial Day is a day when we remember our veterans who served--and sometimes died--for our country and the freedoms that we enjoy today.

When you ask people about veterans' cemeteries in Washington, DC, most people think of Arlington National Cemetery just across the river. But there's another one, this one in Northwest DC, and it's the United States Soldiers' and Airmen's Home National Cemetery, final resting place of about 14,000 veterans.

It's open to the public, and you can walk around it every day of the year, from 0800 to 1700 (8AM to 5pm). Most days, you'll likely be the only one there though. But that'll give you plenty of peace and quit and time to reflect on all of the men interred here and their stories.

Lt. Hall would have flown some of our first biplanes against the Germans.

General Henry Hunt, known as a renowned artillery officer and tactician during the Civil War.
His tactics and brilliant use of field guns likely brought about Union wins at close-fought battles such as Fredericksburg, Antietam and Gettysburg.
He had an uncle who was Mayor of Detroit, MI too.

General Hunt had a son, who went into the Navy.

On Veterans' Day, the Army places wreaths on each of the graves, just like at Arlington.

The rest of the year, they tend the sites, trim the grass, and keep the markers straight.

There are twenty one Medal of Honor recipients resting here. I found the following five and looked into their stories briefly:

Sgt. William Osborn. "For gallant conduct in campaigns against the Apaches".

First Sergeant Charles Taylor. Gallantry in Action At Big Dry Wash, Ariz., 17 July 1862.

Sgt. Cornelius Donovan. Sergeant, Company E, 8th U.S. Cavalry. For Gallantry in Action at Agua Fria River, Ariz., 25 August 1869.

Sgt. Thomas Murray. Company B, 7th Cavalry. "Brought up the pack train, and in the second day, the rations, under heavy fire from the enemy." At Little Bighorn, 25 June, 1876!

First Sergeant William D. Edwards. "For Bravery in Action." At Big Hole, Mont., 9 August 1877.


There are sixteen more Medal of Honor recipients here. And nearly 13,979 others whose stories are generally known only to God.

If you ever get to Washington, DC. you should consider a visit to this place. It's a bit off the beaten path, and no tour bus runs here from the National Mall, but 14,000 veterans would likely say "Thank you."

It's located at 21 Harewood Rd. NW, in Washington, D.C.