Memorial Day

In the honor of Memorial Day, I do hope that each of you took just a moment to reflect on what this holiday is all about.  As a former military dependent that spent 20 plus years living on or near a military base, I have seen first hand the sacrifices that our military members face.  I have family members in all of the services: Army, Air Force, Navy, Marines and Coast Guard.  I have had friends injured in combat and others that gave the ultimate sacrifice of their life.  I bow my head and remember these sacrifices.  Since I personally knew some of these people, I can say that if they were alive today, they would raise their glasses with me and salute their fallen brothers and sisters. Thanks to each of you from the bottom of my heart.

In keeping the spirit of the holiday, let's talk about vacationing to places that celebrate the military. Now I know that cemeteries aren't necessarily the most thought of places to visit but if you have ever been to a National Cemetery, they are beautiful and so rich in history.  If you are ever able to go to Washington DC, Arlington Cemetery should be on the top of the list of places to visit.  I have seen the changing of the guards at the Unknown Solder's grave several times and am always awe struck. Indescribable the sense of respect and honor.

Another absolute favorite place in this category is the USS Arizona in Hawaii. Again, not what most people think of when they plan a vacation to the beach, but this is a must see. The experience will live in your heart forever.

I lived on Guam for a couple of years and there were many historic World War II sites. Once while site seeing with my kids, a Japanese gentleman approached me to ask if we could get a picture of his granddaughter with my daughters on an old Japanese canon.  He had been stationed on Guam when it was occupied by Japan.  For me it is a picture of progress and forgiveness.

WWI Japanese gun, Agat Beach, Guam

If you scuba, Guam is an amazing place to dive.  There are multiple ship wrecks. By far the most impressive is the spot where 2 ships from 2 different wars actually touch.  It is only place in the world with a ship wreck from 2 world wars. Each of these sites are amazing on their own but to be able to touch both ships at the same time is a awesome experience.

There are so many military historical sites.  I wish I could review them all for you. And give you all the details.  For me the fun of going to these sites, is hearing the stories from people that were there when it happened. It gives history a human factor and is much for memorable that a book. For those sites that are from the distant past, read the historic markers. There's often tidbits of information that doesn't make it to the history books.

WWI cemetery Botosani, Romania

Navy Memorial near Tower of London

Civil War Battle Ground Chalk Bluff near St. Francis, AR 

When you are ready to plan a trip that includes historical landmarks, take time to research what you want to see.  Stop and check out sites along the way even if they aren't on your list of must sees. Don't forget to look in your own back yard.  Just a couple of years ago, I went to a park a few miles from the house where I grew up and discovered that it was an old civil war site.

You can contact me by leaving a comment here if you have questions about where to find places to go. And as always, I can help you find ways to travel with discounts to 5 star locations changing your opinion of what is affordable for you and your family.