Jen Conner

Butterfly Visitors

Such an amazing opportunity to serve this morning. It was quiet and peaceful, and perfect for paying respect to those who gave their lives serving their country. The emotional stories shared by visiting veterans, were real and from the heart. I watched many wipe away tears, and have no words, as they paid respect to lost brothers and sisters in arms.

Decades later, you could still see the pain in their memories of service. I cannot imagine what they did, or saw, or the pain they still feel, but in the dark, calm, hours of dawn, when all was still, they could have a moment of peace, and be somewhat reunited with a long lost friend or relative. Thank you to those who bravely served, the ones who made it home, and especially, to those who gave the ultimate sacrifice.

I remember my grandmother telling me that butterflies are the souls of those no longer with us, and they appear to say hi, or check in on those they miss.

*In this picture you see the wall, with the butterfly on it. I remember my grandmother telling me that butterflies are the souls of those no longer with us, and they appear to say hi, or check in on those they miss. This butterfly stayed on that name for well over an hour, despite people coming and going, it sat still.

Maybe it was it was a long lost friend, or relative, paying respect to another? Or maybe, it was the spirit of the name it sat quietly on, because it finally found its way home?

There were so many butterflies in the grass in front of the wall, more than I have ever seen in or around the Capital. It was definitely an impactful moment.