Being a police officer, I paid a visit to the National Law Enforcement Memorial.  That was very sad for me.  I did not know any of the names on the wall, but being a police officer, it was like I knew all of them.  I really enjoyed that.

A quick trip to the Lincoln Memorial led me down a path to a place that every American Citizen should visit at least once.

"The Wall"  What an experience that was.  Although I do not know any names on "The Wall" (Thank God!), I was able to walk so slow to try to read every name on "The Wall". Here I am, a grown man, father of 2, and this brought tears to my eyes. To stand there and see all of the names was something that can not be described in just words...you have to be there physically to understand.  The "Traveling Wall" did come to Charleston last year and I was able to visit it with my father.  That was so sad because he showed me the names of his friends from Vietnam that will be forever engraved.  He cried and I cried and all we could do was hug each other in silence.  Well, for the life of me I could not remember any of the names that he showed me on the "Traveling Wall".  I thought it would have been great to transcribe the names for my father, but I could not.  All I could do was slowly walk "The Wall" and think about that day, just me and my dad, at the "Traveling Wall".  Well, it took me a while to regain my composure and to explain to my 2 daughters why Daddy was crying, but it is hard to explain to a 5 and 7 year old.  I think they understand.  I then went by the statue of the three soldiers and had my wife take my picture of me with the statue.  We also went by the Women's Memorial and had pictures taken.  I also talked to some Vietnam Veterans while I was there.  That was great talking to them, thanking them, and praising them.  They appreciated my words and I appreciated theirs.  That was the best experience I have had.  If you do decide to pass this on to others, then I challenge each and every one of you to take the time to go to Washington D.C. and pay your respects/visit "The Wall".  It is a feeling that you will never experience again.

The other impressive thing I went to was the "Changing of the Guard" at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldiers at Arlington National Cemetery.  Very impressive!

Well, I do not know why I had to tell you about this, I just thought I did.  At least about my visit to "The Wall"  I will never forget that for the rest of my life.  And I pray to God that we never need another "Wall".  Until next time.....Peacekeeper's Forever!  God Bless all of our Veterans...