God bless our Veterans. We are very thankful to each and every one of you. For those that gave the ultimate sacrifice, our hearts forever mourn your loss. We lay flags of deep respect and loving remembrance … we say a silent prayer at your peacetime resting places. You will never be forgotten. The red, white and blue will always wave proudly in your honor. For those who have served our great country over the years and now rest in God’s loving arms we lay beautiful red, white and blue flags at your resting places and stand silently thanking God for your service. To all those who are serving today … at home or on foreign soil … we honor you, deeply respect you; we are a grateful nation. We say “Thank You” from the bottom of our hearts.

Throughout the years our men and women have served far away from home. They left home at a very young age to serve; they left their families, mom and dad, brothers and sisters to serve in wars and in lands they had never even heard of. For those who served at sea, those who served in the air and those who served on land, we are forever grateful. Your service will never be forgotten.

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During the spring of this year many of our Valley Home school students and their parents were blessed to be able to go on an amazing trip. Their travels took them to several important historical sites from Washington, DC to the New York Harbor to Arlington Cemetery and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Here are some of their thoughts on this unforgettable trip, in conjunction with the recently observed Memorial Day holiday.

One of our stops in Washington, DC was Arlington Cemetery where we finished our tour watching the Changing of the Guards at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. It was pouring rain that day; the water ran like flash floods all around the walkways of the cemetery. We were soaked and while our natural instinct was to focus on how wet and cold we were, our tour guide reminded us that what we were experiencing was not nearly as bad as what all these soldiers went through to earn OUR freedom to be able to walk about freely. When we came to the changing of the guards, everyone was silent, crowded around and protected under our umbrellas, and the guards didn’t even flinch in the rain or cold. They continued their perfect march and clicking of the heels and counts of assembling their rifle away from the tomb each time they turned. It was beautiful. It humbled us beyond words. Something that started 76 years ago and has continued non-stop, the guarding and honoring of the unknown fallen soldiers tomb, was amazing. You can read and study about our history, but physically going and seeing it for yourself is a moment I think we all will remember forever. – Dariene and Charley Airola

Visiting the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier was a very cool experience. We went on a day that it was pouring rain and flooding. The guard never stopped his duties the whole time. He continued his post, never missing a beat in his routine. Watching it made me realize how grateful I am for the military and their sacrifices for our nation. – Cooper Brown

Going to the Tomb of Unknown (Soldier) was a very somber experience, but seeing the soldiers dedicate their time to the tomb was very humbling. Their time and dedication is so appreciated and doesn’t go unnoticed. – Briseis Mejia

I got to visit with my classmates on our Washington DC trip with Valley Home School, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. As a sacred memorial site and the grave of three unknown American soldiers, the tomb is a legacy of the United States Armed Forces throughout the nation’s history. It was super sad to see, but I think it’s pretty awesome to go visit. I recommend everyone to go at least once. – Madison Stanley

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As always you may reach me by email, winniemullins51@gmail.com or by telephone at 209-985-5233. Until next time, “Happy Trails to You.”