Today's itinerary was supposed to be quite simple, split between Fort McHenry (Baltimore) and Annapolis, Maryland. En route to Fort Mchenry, we were planning on delivering a care package to a Wounded Warrior at Walter Reed Medical Center and since it's Easter Sunday, spend a few minutes so that the kids could gain a deeper understanding of the sacrifices that, not only were made, but of the ones that are being made on their behalf... today!
When arriving at the front gates of Walter Reed Medical Center we had to ask for directions to the Malone House, a recovery facility for wounded military personnel. But when we arrived at the Malone House, we learned a little more. Indeed it is a recovery facility, but 100% of it's residents are Soldiers and Marines from Iraq and Afghanistan. It was here that we met Brandon Long. Only 20 years old, Brandon is married and has a baby daughter, both of whom live in his one bed hotel room at Walter Reed. His daughter, Claire, was just born on December 23, 2010. Like me, Brandon was not able to be home for the birth of his first born child. And unlike me, he is not able to have any more children. As a Marine Lance Corporal, Brandon was in a field hospital, half a world away, on his daughters birth day. Just two days prior, on December 21st, Brandon stepped on an IED and lost both of his legs (above the knee). So a few minutes turned into a few hours as we sat and talked with this young, double-amputee. In the end, we presented him with our gift. His two buddies (both double amputees) went up to their room to get a Wounded Warrior hat and gave it to Jack. We thought more about, and discussed more about, sacrifice than we ever had. What an incredible way to spend Easter morning!
Once in historic Baltimore, arrived at Fort McHenry - the birth place of our National Anthem. We sat in the visitor's center, watched a fascinating video that ended with the live view of the historic fort, and even saw the paper with Francis Scott Key's original transcription of the text to The Star-Spangled Banner. Then we walked on the path that took us out to the fort - indeed phenomenal! This was the first time since 2007 that I took out my American flag for a photo opportunity. Shortly after 9/11 I purchased an American flag for keep-sake purposes. Soon after I carried it to the top of Half Dome, then in the San Diego Marathon, and again up Mt. Whitney. Four years ago I rode from NY to LA with my flag mounted to my bicycle the whole way. So it just seemed appropriate to bring my flag with me to Fort McHenry. And I would imagine it will pop up at few other places along our journey.
After Baltimore we drove to Annapolis, the home of the U.S. Naval Academy. Lots of deep history on campus there as well. Aside of taking a ton of pictures, we also stopped a few of the Midshipmen in their dress-whites, drilled them with some questions, and had the kids get their picture taken with them.
To the recommendation of some of the locals, we ended our tour of Annapolis at Buddies restaurant. So as the saying goes, "When in Rome..." we ordered Crab Cakes (not all of us liked them, but we ALL tried them).
What a great day today was. Thanks to guys like Brandon Long, we live in a very blessed nation.
Semper Fi!
.
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
ReplyDeleteYou have such good ideas but unlike me, you have them before the moment so you can follow through. When I am in the moment I think, "Yeah, why didn't I _____? That would have been so neat!" Am having fun enjoying your trip!
ReplyDelete