^ The project site says six months and work started in Aug. So that would mean Feb. Kinda cold for a meet then, I think, but it's not a bad idea!

 

Only if your indoor plumbing is working!

 

I'm also in Arlington and saw the scaffolding yesterday driving home from work. Glad to see they are refurbishing the entire park and not just the memorial. Awesome views into DC from there. Tons of photographers always there.

 

As you can see, it has been some months since the start of the refurbishment. But it is done, just in time for everyone coming for the Memorial Day weekend (including about 900K bikers for Rolling Thunder). Took some pics awhile ago. Will post soon. Still no permanent restrooms yet but the plan has been approved, so hope to see those before too long. The Porta Potties have long outworn their welcome.

 

These pics are OK...you can't really tell from them how much has been done on the memorial, but it was all cleaned and polished and looks very nice. And they did extensive work on the grounds around the memorial, including repaving.

 

 

One of my favorite monuments. Those marines will always be my heroes. My cousin was a Marine jet mechanic during the Korean war. Another cousin is a Marine major who served 2 consecutive tours in Afghanistan. A Taliban sniper almost took him out. One of the village elders who he confided in pushed him down and if he didn't the bullet would have hit him in the head. He will probably retire a Colonel and is done with any more tours.

 

Uncommon valor was a common virtue. Could not have been said better.

 

They did a great job. Now we need to start taking care of the heroes who sacrifice their lives each and every day in the never ending war in Afghanistan and return home injured or are suffering from PTSD. We can send billions to countries who hate us and who relish when our brave men and women are killed. Yet we cannot provide the medical attention they so deserve. Many wait for long periods of time and some die waiting for it. Disgraceful and shameful. The Senate passed the Veterans Medical Funding bill at the 11th hour to continue helping these veterans. They have their priorities in the wrong order. Yet their medical benefits are not effected even when they leave their short terms in office for doing nothing.

 

if you can't afford to take care of them after, don't send them in the first place.
The "old" wars were more convenient. Folks died and you paid a one time death benefit.
With body armor etc. we now are much better at keeping GI's alive but they come home shattered
having gone through experiences no one should ever have to survive.