So, I know I don't live in D.C. anymore… But, I'm currently visiting "home." I'll write about my total trip when I get back to Alabama and post a roundup. But, today, I had an experience that completely rattled my cage, and I have to vent.

I love going to see many of the "tourist traps," because they are some of my favorite places, and I don't usually mind tourists. Yeah, they hold up traffic, bottleneck the Metro, and for the most part, just get in the way. However, today, I had the most fortunate opportunity to see my 20-year-old cousin, who is a member of the Honor Guard at Arlington Cemetery, perform a 21-gun salute. As I headed out toward his mission spot, the funeral that he was assisting was one of about 8 that I saw during the 3pm hour. When you enter the Arlington Cemetery, there are NUMEROUS signs that ask you to show respect and maintain silence… After all, it may be a national historic site with the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and the gravesite of JFK, but it is STILL a cemetery… a place where MANY people are buried, and many CONTINUE to go and pay their respects all over the lots, and many are dressed in funeral attire, as multiple funerals occur on the hour almost every hour at Arlington. Knowing this, it absolutely aggravates me to oblivion to see this punk kids and brats jumping around yelling without any respect or consideration for not only those buried there, but for those who are visiting graves outside of the tourists. Yes, you might be so cool to see the Changing of the Guard, and it is amazing to watch, but for the love, have some consideration for those mourning the loss of their sons, daughters, husbands, wives, fathers, mothers, or other family members that just left funerals and are leaving the grounds. Quit acting like you're the only ones there and that it isn't sacred ground.

If you can't do that, I hope their ghosts haunt you the rest of your life… You deserve it. Learn how to respect a grave site.