Road Trip 2015 Arlington National Cemetery

Arlington National Cemetery is such a special place I have decided to give it a post all its own. Shirley and I have been in many places that hold a special place in our hearts; but, we both agree that this place is one of the most sacred and hallowed places we have ever been.

Visitor's Center

Arlington National Cemetery is a United States military cemetery in whose 624 acres have been buried over 400,000 of those serving in the nations's conflicts beginning with the American Civil War, as well as reinterred dead from earlier wars.

The cemetery was established during the Civil War on the grounds of Arlington House, which had been the estate of the family of Confederate general Robert E. Lee's wife Mary Anna (Curtis) Lee a great granddaughter of Martha Washington.

Arlington National Cemetery is one of two Army National Military Cemeteries under the jurisdiction of the Department of the Army.  Anyone who has served in any branch of the military is eligible for interment in Arlington.

There is no way to show how large this cemetery really is and how many headstones there are.  You have to be there to experience how awesomeness of this place.  And, how many who have given their lives for us and what we have here in America!

Not given any more prominence that the other grave are the graves of President John F. Kennedy, his wife Jacqueline, and their children.  The Eternal Flame still burns in his honor not only as our countries 35th President but as a lieutenant in the United States Navy.

The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier stands on top of a hill in Arlington overlooking Washington D. C. It was first known as the "Tomb of the Unknown Soldier."  But, other unknown service men were later entombed here as well.  It is now known as the "Tomb of the Unknowns."  Unknown Soldiers from World War I, World War II, and the Korean War, The Unknown Soldier from the Vietnam War was later identified and was removed to be buried by his family.  It was decided not to replace the Vietnam War Unknown and it remains vacant today.

Tomb of the Unknowns overlooking Washington D.C.

The Tomb of the Unknowns has been perpetually guarded since July 2, 1937, by the U.S. Army,  The 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment ("The Old Guard") began guarding the Tomb on April 6, 1948.  There is an exact routine which the guard follows when watching over the graves:

• Guard marches 21 steps down the black mat behind the Tomb;
• Turns, faces east for 21 seconds;
• Turns, faces north for 21 seconds;
• Takes 21 steps down the mat.
• Repeats the routine until the soldier is relieved of duty at the Changing of the Guard

After each turn, the Guard executes a sharp "shoulder-arms" movement to place the weapon on the shoulder closest to the visitors to signify that the Guard stands between the Tomb and any possible threat.

Twenty-one was chosen because it symbolizes the highest military honor that can be bestowed-the 21 gun salute.

Inscription above the arch on the gate leaving the Cemetery, "Rest on Embalmed and Sainted Dead Dear as the Blood Ye Gave.  No Impious Footsteps Here Shall Tread the Herbage of Your Grave."

The entire Cemetery is located on a hill overlooking the Washington Mall and all of the National Monuments (Washington Monument in background).