Thanks for soldiers.

Of the 15 Veterans Days that we’ve lived in the DC area, we’ve gone to the Mall probably 10 of those times. We sort of accidentally tripped into the tradition when my parents came to visit during my pregnancy with Theo and we visited the Mall and Arlington Cemetery. It is a beautiful tradition that we’ve missed a few times, either due to having a new baby or having growing kids who don’t want to miss school (how I wish our county gave kids this day off! But then I also understand how it might just turn into a regular old day off, while at school the kids can discuss it, have assemblies etc.). I have no immediate personal connection to war—although I do have cousins who are veterans—but my heart is just drawn to this day. I don’t know. I feel sad and grateful at the same time. And I’ll keep looking for tangible ways to support veterans.