The National Mall in Washington, D.C., is a wonderful place.

There’s the Washington and Lincoln monuments and there is always something going on in the grassy stretches of the mall. Soccer, football, softball. In three trips to D.C., I marvel at the mall.

Also on the mall are memorials to the men and women who fought in World War II, the Korean Conflict and Vietnam War.

I have a cousin (Frank Suvara) who is listed on one of the panels of the Vietnam War Memorial Wall. He was killed by a sniper. It is such an experience to be there at the wall. Quiet and reflective.

My father, who was in the Air Force, was stationed in Korea during the conflict.

It was extra special to watch Dad, during a trip in 2003, take in all of the Korean memorial. I stood 20 or 30 yards away to get a photo of him. A couple of times he got choked up. I didn’t snap the photo then. Instead, I photographed him with a smile on his face.

We also made a stop at Arlington National Cemetery. My Mom, who also served in the Air Force, enjoyed touring the Women in Military Service for America Memorial, which is located at Arlington.

In 2004, we took my wife’s parents to Washington. We experienced the World War II Memorial at night.

It was amazing. Goose bumps and chills, mixed with tears. An awesome tribute to those who fought in that war.

A friend posted on his Facebook page that every day should be Veterans Day.

I agree with him.