Washington, D.C.

I know this is a free country, but every American should be required to visit Arlington National Cemetery at least once in their lives. It is the only way to fully grasp the magnitude of how many people have died to protect our free country. To ride through Arlington is one of the most humbling and heartfelt experiences I have ever had. It is hard to grasp how many young men and women have died in battle until you see the endless sea of white tombstones that extend as far as the horizon it seems.

To view the Tomb of the Unknown Soldiers and to see the Changing of the Guard Ceremony is also a must if you are anywhere near Washington. You want to know about honor? Or loyalty? Or brotherhood? Watch those men guard that tomb and the dignity and respect in which they do it and you will understand why soldiers share the tight bond they do.

Arlington National Cemetery makes me proud to be an American. I appreciate the souls who reside there and for the price they paid so that I could live in freedom each day.