The Wabash Wreath at theTomb of the Unknown

As you know, the Grunge made the trip to Arlington this past September with the football team.  I had hoped our young men would grasp what sacred ground they were walking on.  After all, when you’re their age, with their entire lives ahead of them, the moment might go under-appreciated.  I should not have worried – these guys are Wabash men.  They got it.

No secrets here – I want to be buried at Arlington.  Don’t get me wrong, I don’t deserve to be buried among heroes.  But I can’t think of a better final resting place on this earth.  I am not in a hurry to get there, but I am a lot closer to Arlington than Culver Hospital where I was born. 

My other favorite school celebrates Veterans Day.  Of course, when the words “God, Country, Notre Dame” are displayed over one of the main entrances to the Basilica, you know service means a great deal.  The late Father Ted Hesburgh used to go away sometimes at Christmas and say Mass for sailors somewhere around the world.  I recall he said that he picked up the phone and called the Chief of Naval Operations to ask where they needed him that Holiday Season.  Father Ted and the CNO – talk about starting at the top – had to be a great conversation.

Here, Veterans Day comes and goes.  A large part of that, I’m sure, has to do with the week…Monon Bell week.

Bottom line remains the same.  There is value, great value, in service rendered for our country.  We live their ROI every, single day.