In 1963 my family went on vacation to Washington D.C. We took a tour via a limo service that my father had hired and got to see most of the sights. However Arlington National Cemetery was not on the tour and so my father insisted that we drive ourselves there. We went so that he could see the Tomb of the Unknown Solder and the Iwo Jima Memorial.
My father, a WWII vet, was moved. Surprisingly so was I. I was born after the war so it seemed like ancient history to me. But being in the presence of these two memorials brought the sorrow of the entire enterprise home to me.
Several other memorials have been added to Arlington since then. Two that are most meaningful to my generation are the Tomb of JFK and the Viet Nam Memorial. When the Viet Nam Memorial design was first announced there was a lot of criticism. It was called an ugly gash in the ground and worse. But fortunately the committee responsible for overseeing this project trusted artist Maya Lin's vision. Today the Viet Nam Memorial wall is a moving tribute to the honor and valor of those who lost their lives without glorifying the war itself.
Here in the U.S. we have set aside this day to remember our fallen warriors. In many countries and cultures similar moments are on their calendars too. I know this not because I have such intimate knowledge of other cultures.......I don't. I know this because I've seen pictures of their art. Statues, paintings, and tapestries of great warriors and their past battles.
Art is not always entertainment. It also communicates and informs. And, in many cases, distorts the truth. Not always to deceive but to emphasize. When George Washington crossed the Delaware it's unlikely that he stood up in the boat. He didn't get to be a great general by being that stupid. St. George slaying the Dragon also comes to mind. It's wonderful, but obviously Raphael wasn't there to capture the moment.
We are reminded that true heros don't wear capes or spandex suits. They look like you and me. They exist in every culture and are honored for their efforts in defending us. We are reminded on this day of their sacrifice. The lost lives, and accompanying potentials. Their families who grieve. The horrific price paid by young people in wars started by old people.
So as we take time to remember our fallen warriors, let's also take time to remember and honor all warriors. Past and present, broken or whole. And as we gaze upon the statues, memorials, and grave markers let's take a moment to admire the work of the artists. The architects of our memories.