I depart as air, I shake my white locks at the runaway sun,
I effuse my flesh in eddies, and drift it in lacy jags.
I bequeath myself to the dirt to grow from the grass I love,
If you want me again look for me under your boot-soles.
You will hardly know who I am or what I mean,
But I shall be good health to you nevertheless,
And filter and fibre your blood.
Failing to fetch me at first keep encouraged,
Missing me one place search another,
I stop somewhere waiting for you.
~ Walt Whitman
Song of Myself
On this Memorial Day, let us pause to remember and thank our veterans of:
The Revolutionary War
Tomb of the Unknown Revolutionary War Soldier, Alexandria, Virginia
I offer special blessings tonight for the service in this war of my ancestor, Timothy Whitehead of New Jersey.
The Civil War
Alexandria National Cemetery, Alexandria, Virginia
World War I
Cemetery in Verdun, France
I offer special blessings and gratitude tonight for my beloved grandfathers.
My father’s father (1896-1978) flew planes over France as a Marine pilot.
My mother’s father (1896 - 1962) served in the North Atlantic as a sailor on a submarine.
I loved you both so very much.
World War II
The American cemetery at Omaha Beach, France.
The Korean War
Taps at an American military cemetery in Korea, December 1950.
I offer special blessings and gratitude tonight for my wonderful Dad, who graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 1950 and retired from the United States Naval Reserve as a Captain in 1975. Dad was a pilot and an intelligence officer, and the most honest man I will ever know. I miss you every day, Dad, and I am so proud to be your daughter.
My Dad (1928 - 2000)
The Vietnam War
I offer special blessings and gratitude tonight for 2d Lt. Robert C. Ransom, Jr., who stepped on a landmine and died in Vietnam on Mother’s Day, 1968. Forty years later, I remember your death and your funeral.
2d Lt. Robert C. Ransom, Jr. (1946 - 1968)
The Wars in Iraq and Afghanistan
I offer special blessings and gratitude tonight to all of the gallant men and women who have been profiled on IGTNT. Please know that each of your lives was important and that we will never forget you.
Blessings and heartfelt gratitude to all of our veterans, living and dead. Thank you all. Your missions are done.