Growing up, Memorial Day weekend was always something I looked forward to. It's a Quintana family tradition to spend the long weekend camping near Estes Park, our neighborhood pool would open, and it was a sign that summer was just around the corner. I always knew the significance that Memorial Day served, but I hadn't truly spent the day honoring the thousands of brave men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice defending the freedom that many of us take for granted. This year was different. Jordan volunteered to take part in a ceremony held annually at Madingley American Cemetery, which is located in Cambridgeshire. The land for the cemetery was donated to the United States by Cambridge University, and it contains the bodies of 3,812 soldiers who died during WWII. Many of those buried at Madingley are British-based US Air Force heavy bomber crews. They flew aircrafts with a Box-D painted on the tail, just like the planes that Jordan flies today.
The ceremony itself was very impressive, and the cemetery was absolutely beautiful. Jordan and many other men and women in uniform marched in to present over 100 wreaths for a wreath laying ceremony, and we listened to General Jimmy Doolittle's granddaughter tell some stories about her grandfather. We heard the firing of volleys and listened to taps, then we watched a KC-135 from RAF Mildenhall fly overhead, followed by a missing man formation of F-15C's from RAF Lakenheath. It was the most meaningful way that I can think of spending Memorial day, and it made me even more proud of my husband in uniform.
The ceremony itself was very impressive, and the cemetery was absolutely beautiful. Jordan and many other men and women in uniform marched in to present over 100 wreaths for a wreath laying ceremony, and we listened to General Jimmy Doolittle's granddaughter tell some stories about her grandfather. We heard the firing of volleys and listened to taps, then we watched a KC-135 from RAF Mildenhall fly overhead, followed by a missing man formation of F-15C's from RAF Lakenheath. It was the most meaningful way that I can think of spending Memorial day, and it made me even more proud of my husband in uniform.
And as promised... here is a picture of Jordan in his nifty new leather jacket! :)
Wow what a touching ceremony - and it must've been such an honor that you were able to be a part of it!
ReplyDeleteOn a random note - it looks like Jordan just stepped out of the wardrobe (from the Lion, Witch & Wardrobe) in his new jacket! LOL! Love the jacket!!
Sounds great Lex. I'm glad you were able to be part of such a meaningful event. Miguel and I went to the ranch in NE to pass the weekend. My mom's brothers and sister were there and we hung out and did some work around the ranch.
ReplyDeleteRenee
Lexi!
ReplyDeleteI had not logged on in over a week. We were in Las Vegas, NV with Mom & Polo all of last week.
This post is awesome! I also am so proud of Jordan, John and those who serve our country so faithfully. This ceremony must have been very touching. Tell Jordan that he looks very spiffy in his leather bomber jacket.
We were in Questa for Memorial Day. It was raining sp we did not venture up to the memorial services in Angel Fire or to the Healing Field in Questa but we did go for a drive up to Red River with my Dad. It was pretty sad thinking of how many memorial day runs we have shared up there with Uncle Mike and company. I got very sad thinking that we won't get to ride freely with him anymore.
I hear that you have some special visitors now so please give them a hug from me and tell them hello. Love, Jennifer