| Arlington
National Cemetery
It is possible to trace the war history of America through
the memorials and 250,000 soldiers buried at Arlington. Memorials include the U.S. Marine
Corps War Memorial and The Tomb of the Unknowns. The Marine Corps War Memorial, known as
the Iwo Jima Memorial, depicts the raising of the American Flag on Mount Suribachi during
WWII.
The Tomb of the Unknowns is where the unknown soldiers of both World Wars, the Korean
War and the Vietnam War are interred. On top of the monument is a huge marble
sarcaphagus inscribed with the words, " Here
Rests In Honored Glory An American Soldier Known But To God".
It is guarded 24-hours a day by the Amy’s U.S. 3rd Infantry, as potrayed in the
film " Gardens of Stone". Each sentry marches 21 steps and then
faces the memorial for 21 seconds to symbolize a 21-gun salute. April 1 – Sept.
30 the guard is changed every half-hour (every hour other times of the year) in a precise
ceremony that is worth seeing.
Arlington is also the site of the Kennedy Graves. JFK is buried here under an eternal
flame. Near him are two of his children who died in infancy, wife Jacqueline
Kennedy-Onassis and brother Robert Kennedy.
Visiting Arlington is a nice diversion from the city but even if you drive, touring the
grounds involves lots of walking. Wear a comfortable pair of shoes and sunscreen if you
plan on spending lots of time there.
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