Arlington National Cemetery: My Forever Home, a new one-woman show by nationally known storyteller and local cable television host Ellouise Schoettler, will make its Washington, DC, debut at the Women In Military Service For America Memorial on Memorial Day, May 27, 2013, at 2:00 p.m. The show, an original production by Schoettler, is an entirely new way to look at Arlington’s hallowed grounds and the service, history and family stories it represents. It is the perfect Memorial Day story.
A loving, personal story woven with the traditions and daily “life” of Arlington National Cemetery, My Forever Home is a poignant glimpse, laced with surprising insights, into the history and ongoing importance of this special place—storyteller Ellouise Schoettler’s eventual “forever home.” Since her husband Jim’s Arlington burial, she has visited his grave often and each visit has inspired her to learn more about their “Forever Neighbors.” The story includes other families who visit, particularly the young families often seen near Section 60, where recent casualties are laid to rest. The program is a growing collection of stories about the people who are buried at Arlington, others who work there, and the members of the nation’s military. They all combine with Arlington’s rich history and hallowed tradition to offer respect and honor to members of the military buried there. This is a story of comfort for families.
Arlington National Cemetery: My Forever Home is free and open to the public.
Other Memorial Day activities at the Women’s Memorial include the 16th annual Memorial Day ceremony at 4:00 p.m. The ceremony includes formal military honors, a keynote address, wreath-layings and the Memorial’s signature event, the scattering of rose petals in tribute to departed comrades. This event is also free and open to the public.
Also at the Memorial is A New Generation of Warriors, a special exhibit that pays tribute to the women who have served in Afghanistan and Iraq. Included is the special In-Memoriam Book located in the Memorial’s Hall of Honor. The book, a living memorial that is updated as necessary, includes the picture, awards and decorations and biographical information of the 154 military women who have lost their lives in these wars. The exhibits are free and open to the public.
For more information, call 703-533-1155 or 800-222-2294. The Women’s Memorial, located at the gateway to Arlington National Cemetery, is readily accessible by Metro (Blue Line) and paid parking is available. The Women In Military Service For America Memorial is the nation’s only major memorial honoring all servicewomen, past and present. Featuring an exhibit gallery, theater and Register of women who have served, the Memorial is open to the public, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., daily.