On Hallowed Ground: The Story of Arlington National Cemetery
Written and Narrated By: Robert M. Poole
Length: 12 hrs and 41 mins
…Where those who’ve fought for us go to Rest In Peace…
Oh saaaay, 9 1/2 years ago, I first listened to On Hallowed Ground by Robert M. Poole and left a (Glowing) review over on Audible (Back when it was fun). I’d really really liked it because, while it’s the history of Arlington National Cemetery, it is -also- a grand Military History, with various battles discussed, tactics, people.
I’d really really liked it.
And so, here for Independence Day 2023, I thought it’d be AWESOME to revisit this audiobook. Yeh yeh yeh, it coulda been listened to for Memorial Day. But I thought it’d be even more appropriate to show the cost of Freedom, of Independence.
Once again, I must say I’d liked it very much this go-round, but I’m gonna add a caveat… or two… to my (Glowing) Review.
Mainly, I think this audiobook is best for individuals who’ve NOT added to their knowledge base 9 1/2 years worth of Military History Studies/Listens. Why? Because all the side jaunts away from Arlington to focus on battles can start to be a trifle annoying to those with more than a passing knowledge of the events. Poole’s deviations from the history of the Cemetery give only a glancing bit of info and can serve only to pique the interest of those with (Mostly) zip zippo nada prior knowledge. If, however, you’ve been deVOUring Histories like you’ve no impulse control? Well then, you might find yourself either mentally remonstrating Poole for leaving out this that the other totally salient fact, or you might note after a moment or two that you’re zoning out.
Which brings me to Caveat Two (I know I know I know. I LIKED this and will get to the good stuff in just a bit, I SWEAR): An author narrating his own work. Now, on my previous Listen, in my previous review, I’d had absolutely no problem with his narration, positing his near monotone as that of a TOTAL military dude, what with SUCH discipline, SUCH a no-nonsense unemotional approach. I’d respected a member of the military relating what could only be a Work of the Heart.
Uhm, the thing is? I think the guy’s just got a near monotone. Dunno that he’s military at all. Anything I’ve found on him (Cuz I liked this well enough to Google for more information…!) has said he’s a veteran journalist, but does that mean he’s a Veteran journalist, or whazza? Dunno (Again), and I’m willing to drop it save to add that if you listen to On Hallowed Ground, do NOT expect a rousing performance. Rather, pretend that Poole is an old General, relating important and somber events. If not? Ya might find yourself zoning out, or even nodding off (Which I did, uhm, actually TWICE… during the War of 1812… Boooo, meeee!!!).
Now onto the good stuff. This is really really informative when it sticks to Arlington’s history, like its beginning as the home of Robert E. Lee (But be prepared for aforementioned Side Jaunts onto Lee’s wife’s Suffering of the Vapors, like, rePEATedly). That the estate was on higher ground, soooo close to D.C. made it a position to be had, a position to be held, and thus attracted the Union Army to obtain and keep it (Like, the third or fourth time Lee’s wife Suffers the Vapors…). Initially used as a Base Camp, soon it became a place to bury the Union dead.
The somberness and respect, the rituals of burial did not develop until conflicts that occurred later.
And it’s exactly those rituals described that are mesmerizing, that bring a lump to the throat, a tear to the eye. I’m a total sucker for honoring those who’ve fought, who’ve paid dearly. Describe the gun salutes, the folding and handing off of the Flag, and man! am I a heavy-duty weeper, or what?! Add to this, during the description of these rituals is when Poole’s voice sometimes seems like it’s breaking with emotion, like an old General, stiff upper lip-ping it but just thaaaaat close to breaking down into sobs. THIS is when I’d think, Oh MAN! now I’m gonna lose it and break down m’self.
Describe to me the horrors of WWI, the necessity of leaving the dead behind, on foreign soil, the decision to bring one back, one Unknown Soldier to stand in for aaaallll those who’ll never be recovered? The dignity shown, the Sacrament-like care? Yup, I’m listening to Poole’s somber tones crack, and I’m feeling a great deal.
Describe to me the horrors of ALL of the conflicts, the wars, the forgotten heroes. Describe to me Vietnam Veterans on motorcycles, a Guard of Honor riding with the cortège. Do those things? and I’m THERE!
Nope, not the Grand Listen the second time around that it was the first. But still very very good, even for this Military History Snob… uhm… I mean Military History BUFF!
And dude! Poole has a second audiobook out on “Section 60”, the section that is Home to the Fallen of Iraq and Afghanistan, of Nowadays Sorrows, where families can meet with their loved ones, where families can find fellow grievers. Where the Past meets our Now. Of COURSE I snagged this audiobook the second it was released.
It’s just almost a tragedy that more acreage was necessary.
…But I suppose…? There are Death and Taxes, certainly.
But there’s War, ALWAYS War…
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