When 12 yo, I went to DC...
never having heard of National Cemeteries until we visited Arlington. It never crossed my mind that I would ever return for the funerals of friends I would be attending there when I became an adult. The area where the Viet Nam Memorial was so different back then and I didn't know that I would return some day to read the names of those I knew.
I did not know then that my own brother's ashes would be put in a National Cemetery (in CO) where I am unable to visit.
While I will never be be laid to rest in a noted cemetery, my ashes will be placed in a cemetery where my 6th great-grandfather is buried and has an ARW plaque on his grave. The property where he was buried was his and is still in our family and I own a portion of it. This cemetery is little known and difficult to get to; but for me to be there along side of one of the first defenders of our democracy lies and that I, 6 generations later did my part to defend what he fought for, is honor enough for me.
I will spend the rest of this day in mourning all the souls lost in defending that democracy and for those who loved them; and in prayer that we never ever allow that democracy be taken from us.