This photograph was taken during sunrise on a winter's morning in 2023 at Black Hills National Cemetery where I awaited the Wreaths Across America ceremony honoring our nation's veterans during Christmas. Their motto: "Remember, Honor, Teach" I found particularly striking.

 

Remember — the individual lives represented by those stones. I was brought to tears as I passed row after row of solemn headstones and realized there were SO many lives sacrificed in their youth.

 

Honor — how can I honor the burden of their sacrifice?  The words of John 15:13 come to mind: "There is no greater love than to lay down one's life for one's friends." I am filled with enormous gratitude that their sacrifice, in defending this great nation, allows me to wander here freely and honor what they've given.

 

Teach — Who am I to teach? If not me, then who? My experiences with September 11th and our cultural forgetfulness have brought this home for me. It is OUR duty to ensure that not only this generation, but future generations  understand what Abraham Lincoln revealed as "their last full measure of devotion."

 

In this photo there are no flags, soldiers, ceremonies, crowds, or overt patriotic symbols.

 

There is simply light, snow, trees, and my comrades at rest.

 

That quietness provides the dignity.