Initially, my trip was not planned to look like it does today. However, as the events started to unfold in Afghanistan. I changed the focus of my upcoming trip a bit.
This year is a significant year for a few reasons. Did you know that this is the centennial year of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier? A few weeks ago, that was the focus of my trip. I planned to attend the ceremony on Veterans Day at Arlington National Cemetery. However, with what has been taken place over the last couple of weeks. I have decided to make some slight changes. In observance of the 20-year mark since the terrorist attacks on 9/11 and the current situation in Afghanistan. I decided I want to honor our Afghanistan Fallen Heroes personally. And honor the victims of the attack on the Pentagon as well.
In November, I will be spending a few days in Washington DC. While I’m there, I will be placing a rose at the graves of our fallen. Our Afghanistan fallen and the victims of the Pentagon attack on 9/11 will receive one. I intend that the roses placed will symbolize Honor, Respect, and Never Ending Love.
This trip has become very personal for me as a disabled veteran who served in Iraq and Afghanistan. I consider every person who has worn the cloth of our Nation to be family. These veterans who are resting at Arlington National Cemetery are my fellow brothers and sisters. On this trip, I will be honoring my extended military family. At the same time, letting their family know that their loved one is not forgotten. And that we are grateful for the service and sacrifices their veteran made.
At the beginning of this year, I donated to have 12 roses placed each month. Each rose is placed at one of our fallen heroes at Arlington National Cemetery. This trip is going to be very similar to that. I also plan to hand a “Thank You” note to veterans as I see them on November 11, 2021. Just something small. To let them know we are thinking of them and support them. Not only today, but every day.
If you would like to support me in some way, I would greatly appreciate it. However, I am not seeking any volunteers to join me. I appreciate and know that some would probably like to join. Due to security and other measures, I will not be encouraging people to fly down with me for this. This is not that kind of trip. Sadly, no, you can not go with me. All the roses will be placed – I promise.
However, the best way you could support is by donating to help cover the cost of the roses. Even if it’s only a dollar, that’s one more fallen hero being honored. You may send me thank you cards/notes to hand out if you would like. They can be very basic and simple “Thank You” or “Thank you for Your Service.” I would love to try to encourage you to take the time and make homemade cards. Those have a different impact on people when they receive them.
Those who wish to donate towards the expense of the roses can donate at http://www.TheRoseFundVA.org. All donations are tax-deductible as The Rose Fund is a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit. Regrettably, I cannot take any special rose placement requests. Arlington National Cemetery is about 639 acres and 27, 232, 693 sq ft. It would not be humanly possible to do anything outside what I am currently working on. My apologies. However, any additional funds raised will be used for future rose placements. A special rose placement request can be made at a later time. Thank you for your understanding.
Those who would like to send along some Thank You Notes or Thank You Cards can be mailed directly to me. The best address for this is Donald Jarvis, PO Box 8363, Bradford Ma 01835.
To all of those who have worn the cloth of our Nation. Thank you for everything you have done in the name of our great country. Your hard work, dedication, and sacrifices have and will always be worth it. We as a Nation always stand with you and will always support you. We are forever grateful. May God Bless You, and may God Bless America! Thank you!
Donald Jarvis
GWOT Veteran | OIF & OEF Purple Heart Recipient
Donald Jarvis 