I volunteered at Arlington West this morning

[huskerlaw]

I helped set up the crosses/stars/crescents and also placed personal mementos in front of some of them. One of the crosses I did belonged to Casey Sheehan. :cry:

I have to say, that was one of the harder things I've done. So many lives wasted. So many hearts broken. The personal notes and pictures were painful to look at. But at the same time, it's so very necessary.

The people who work with Veterans for Peace are really fabulous. So kind and inviting...and they work so hard setting up this memorial, but they do it with such grace.

One of the things they do every week is place a flag-draped coffin for each soldier killed the previous week. Did you realize that we lost 37 soldiers this week? Thirty seven. It really becomes more than a number when you help drape flags and carry them onto the beach.

But amidst the sadness, there were definite moments of true humanity. As we were carrying the coffins, a group of 20-something guys walked up and asked if they could help. Turns out, they were members of the Belgian Air Force, on vacation in Santa Monica. They were so kind to help! It really made all of us smile.

I'm planning on volunteering once a month or so. If you're in the Santa Monica area, you should consider it. It's such an eye-opening experience.



:patriot:

[Call Me Wesley]

1. Thank you so much for doing this!

:hug:

CMW
Honorary member of VFP, Chapter 9

[huskerlaw]

2. I'm glad I had the opportunity

I don't know why I didn't volunteer sooner!

:hug:

[XemaSab]

3. I was about to go down and take pictures of the SB Arlington West

You've motivated me.

Thanks.

[huskerlaw]

4. I think the one in SB is actually bigger

In Santa Monica, they've run out of beach space, so they have red crosses that signify 10 deaths. :(

Post pics when you get back!

[XemaSab]

12. That one looks more elaborate

It will take weeks to get the pix back.

There are just 3,000 crosses in the sand, with assorted interpretive signs. :(

3,000 is a LOT.

[huskerlaw]

13. Ah, no personal items?

Well...actually I can see the benefit to having both. Simplicity speaks volumes as well.

And yes, 3000 is A LOT. :cry:

[XemaSab]

17. Some personal items

No coffins :scared:

[UrbScotty]

5. Thank you for doing this.

:patriot:

[huskerlaw]

6. You're welcome...

I definitely plan on making it a regular thing. The Veterans for Peace group is made up of some truly wonderful people! :D

[Kajsa]

7. Thank you, Huskerlaw for devoting your time

and energy to this great organization.

I've never seen Arlington West, but I use
to live approx. ten houses to the north of
that exact stretch of beach.That was from
1951-1957.

I'm sure the modest cottage I grew up in is
long gone by now.

I saw the 3/4 replica of the Vietnam Memorial
when it was in town a few years back.
Looking at the thousands of names on the wall,
knowing my brother was one of the fortunate ones
to make it home, was extremely emotional for me.
I spent the better part of the visit crying.

It's damn overwhelming to realize just how many
have died.

:hug:

[huskerlaw]

8. It really is overwhelming

And so very sad.

But you're right, it is a great organization with fabulous people and a very worthy cause.

I'm glad I had the opportunity, and I plan on helping them out more often!

:hug:

[GOPisEvil]

9. Hey, I've been there, and I still have the postcard!

I did some crosses at the original Camp Casey, and that was powerful. I can imagine the real Arlington West.

It's so cool that you volunteered. :thumbsup:

[proud2BlibKansan]

10. Are you coming to Camp Casey in July?

July 6 - 8. Farewell party.

[GOPisEvil]

24. I'll be out of town.

I'll miss it. :(

But I'm seeing my honey, so... :)

[huskerlaw]

14. Actually, didn't we go to the one in Santa Barbara?

Perhaps I'm mistaken, though.

It was an amazing experience. I'm looking forward to helping out again.

[GOPisEvil]

23. Santa Barbara...Santa Monica...Santa Something...

:silly:

[Capn Sunshine]

11. awesome job. Thanks for this

I hope the enormity of what we have wrought is apparent to the turistas as they come down for a vacation.

PS the Iraqi Parliament is on vacation too.

[huskerlaw]

15. There were certainly a lot of onlookers.

And many were asking very good questions. In fact, I only encountered one Bushbot...and even he was fairly well behaved. There's really not much you can say in support of this war when you're standing in front of a cross that has a child's drawing on it, that says "I miss you, Daddy." Although granted, some would still try.

[CaliforniaPeggy]

16. My dear huskerlaw!

Good for you!

I really admire you for your actions....

You put your money where your mouth is, didn't you?

It's heartbreaking......

:hug:

[huskerlaw]

21. It is heartbreaking

But I was really happy to be able to help! I'll definitely be going back.

:hug:

[Beaverhausen]

18. I wanted to go this afternoon for the removal of the memorial but couldn't make it...

thanks for sharing your story. It is a very moving thing to see, and I haven't even seen it for over a year. I'm sure it's overwhelming by now.

[huskerlaw]

20. Maybe I'll see ya there sometime

:) :hi:

[Quantess]

19. I think this is the first time I've recommended a thread in the Lounge.

Thanks.

[huskerlaw]

22. Well, thank you.

And, you're welcome. :)