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Hi, fellow Americans. It is a gorgeous day and I have never been more proud to be an American. You see, mom, dad, Chloe and I are standing in Arlington National Cemetery. As with the other places in Washington, D.C., Arlington National Cemetery has a Visitor’s Center that offered maps and guidebooks. Chloe and I knew from previous places that the brochures helped us learn lots of information. We sat on a bench outside the cemetery reading the facts about this historical burial place. Mom and Dad explained that we needed to remain quiet and respectful while on the grounds of the cemetery. We needed to read the information and ask our questions before we entered.

Arlington is located in Arlington, Virginia -just outside of D.C. - across from the Potomac River. More than 600 acres, it’s the burial place of more than 300,000 servicemen and women from all of our nation’s wars, as well as other famous Americans such as President Taft and President Kennedy. “What’s a serviceman?” I asked. Dad explained that a serviceman or woman was anybody who was in the military or armed forces. “It would be someone in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines and Coast Guard. They protect our country. Remember when the Colonists had to fight to gain freedom from Britain? Well, the colonists realized they needed a military to protect them. That is when the first military was started.” Dad went on to tell us that today there are about 500,000 servicemen and women stationed all around the world protecting our freedom.

“Puppies,” Mom said. “Do you realize that every single person buried in this cemetery paid the price for our freedom? They actually gave their lives and died so that we could live in the greatest country on earth.” For once, I was at a loss for words. I couldn’t imagine that somebody loved me enough to fight for my rights and freedoms. Sure, my parents and siblings loved me, but they knew me! These soldiers didn’t even know my name, yet they cared enough about our country and me to dedicate their lives to America. “One more thing before we enter the cemetery,” Dad said. “Pay special attention to the Tomb of the Unknowns.” I opened my mouth to ask, but was glad when Chloe beat me to the question. “I don’t understand, daddy. What is the Tomb of the Unknowns?” she asked. Dad explained that it is a monument in the cemetery dedicated to the American soldiers who died without their remains being identified. That is when I saw Chloe’s first tear.

We quietly entered Arlington to pay our respects. We walked along, not saying a word to each other, though I was sure we were all thinking the very same thing – that living in America was a privilege. As we approached the Tomb of the Unknowns I saw guards protecting the tomb. Dad had explained earlier that the tomb is guarded 24 hours, seven days a week, no matter the weather. As we approached, we saw the words inscribed on the tombstone - “Here Rests In Honored Glory An American Soldier Known But To God”

As we left the cemetery, I felt an American pride I had never felt before. Once we were outside the cemetery, Chloe and I promised each other that the next time we saw a military person, we were going to stop and say thanks. “See Woody,” Dad said, “Already you are thinking like a true patriot!” I smiled!

Leaving the cemetery, I felt the need to go home. Maybe it was the somberness in my heart from Arlington. I couldn’t put my paw on it. I didn’t feel tired, even after all we had seen. Fact is, I didn’t even know how long we had been gone, but I asked Dad when we would be returning to Kentucky. “Before we head back to the Bluegrass state,” dad said, “There is one more very important place we have to visit.”

One more place? Where could it be? I can’t wait to find out. In the meantime, thank a military person, and work and dream like a big dog!

Woody, a k a Mr. Dogwood

Thanks to LG&E/KU both E.ON companies and KPA for making this project possible. Thanks to the Kentucky Secretary of State for sponsoring the new podcast. For podcast and questions and activities go online to www.kypress.com.