Experiencing washington, d.c. for the first time

YM/Sgt blythe Waters, August 13, 2019

I am YM/Sgt Waters, B. and this was my experience at Washington, D.C. for the first time.
On Memorial Weekend (2019), ten Young Marines from my unit, Capital City Young Marines, traveled to Washington, D.C. for the National Memorial Day Parade. On Memorial Day, we were able to visit Arlington Cemetery. At the cemetery, we witnessed the transition from one soldier’s shift to another’s in order to guard the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. This was a truly amazing experience. It was incredible to see how disciplined the soldiers were. Before we left Arlington, we were able to split up into twos and lay the flags and flowers we were given during the tour, on a tombstone of our choice. As we laid the flags and flowers down we saluted each soldier’s grave and honored them with a moment of silence. 

After lunch, we headed to the National Memorial Day Parade. After some walking, we arrived at the area where we waited for the parade to begin. I was excited to see so many other Young Marines from different units. The Young Marines from my unit and other units were able to meet one another and talk to each other. I had the pleasure of meeting Division 2 Young Marine of the Year (at the time) YM/SgtMaj Macie Ross, and others from the LCpl Caleb John Powers Unit. The Young Marines were shown where they would be positioned, and the parade began. It was incredible to be in the parade and to represent Young Marines as well as my unit. I learned a lot from this trip and really enjoyed it! Thanks to everyone who made this trip possible!