With the approaching Memorial Day holiday in sight, what better way to honor the brave Americans who have served our country and fought to protect our freedom than to plan a visit to Arlington National Cemetery? 
Located in Arlington, Virginia, across from the Potomac River, Arlington National Cemetery has been the final resting place for American War heroes since the Revolutionary War. Spanning over 612 acres, the site is a beautiful and serene location that reminds us of the lives that were given for America’s freedom…a nation where we are provided the opportunity for “Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness”.
The endless rows of white headstones represent over 300,000 brave Americans who fought for the united cause of independence. The numbers will continue to rise until we are no longer at war. We have our military to thank for making our country what it is today, totally open to worship in the manner in which we choose and to voice our opinions for ideals for which we support.
One of the most important events at the Arlington National Cemetery is the Changing of the Guard which takes place at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. At every hour, on the hour, this ceremony takes place to pay due respect to all soldiers who have died during a time of American conflict. In front of the tomb there are also graves of unknown veterans from World War II, Korea and Vietnam, identified by white marble slabs that are prominent among the brick foundation.
Once the officer salutes the unknown soldier retiring from his post, another sentinel takes his or her position at the tomb. The tomb is guarded 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, regardless of the weather.
During my visit, there were several young children who seemed interested in the service and began discussing the recent ceremony with the officer on duty. I was deeply moved by their curiosity and impressed with the questions they were asking.
Among one of the most visited graves at Arlington National Cemetery is that of former President John Fitzgerald Kennedy. At the request of his wife, Jacqueline, Kennedy was provided a final resting place on the Arlington National Cemetery grounds. It was also her wish that an eternal flame be lit to mark his grave. On November 25, 1963 at 3PM, the services began for her husband’s funeral.
Nearly 30 years later, in 1994, Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy Onassis would be laid to rest beside her husband, her infant son, Patrick Bouvier Kennedy and their unnamed stillborn daughter.
Robert F. Kennedy, John F. Kennedy’s brother is also buried in the Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia, next to his brother. A presidential candidate, Robert Kennedy was assassinated in 1968 as he left the Ambassador Hotel in Los Angeles. Robert’s body was brought to Arlington National Cemetery from New York City by train to his final resting place.
There are a number of monuments and memorials throughout the National Cemetery that are significant. They are a reminder of many who died during times of war, near and abroad, and for those that gave their lives in service to the United States. For a full list of monuments, visit the Arlington Cemetery’s website. Some of the more notable memorials include the Civil War Unknowns, PanAm Flight 103, Pentagon Group Burial Marker, Space Shuttle Challenger Memorial (shown) and the Spanish-American War Monument.
While leaving the cemetery, I could hear the faint sound of military taps being played in the distance. I paused for a moment of respect as my eyes filled with tears and feeling grateful for these American soldiers. It is important that I never forget….never forget that freedom isn’t free, because in the end, someone has given their life so that I could live in one of the greatest countries of the world. I should never take that for granted.
Have you had the opportunity to visit Arlington National Cemetery? What was the most significant aspect of your visit? I would love to hear about your experience if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below. Many thanks for reading my post about Arlington National Cemetery! Happy Travels!
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What to See and What to Do:
Arlington National Cemetery
Address: Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, VA 22211
Phone: 877.907.8585
Hours: Open 365 days per year
Cost: Free, except for guided tours*
How to Get There:
- Take the Washington DC area’s MetroRail’s Blue Line to the Arlington National Cemetery Station.
- MetroBus stop on Memorial Avenue
*Arlington National Cemetery has partnered with Arlington Cemetery Tours, Inc. as the only provider of tour bus services within the cemetery. $12 for adults; $6 for children; $9 for seniors and free for military personnel in uniform and disabled with valid handicap placard. (Please visit the Cemetery’s website to confirm admission fees).
The Welcome Center is located at the entrance to the cemetery and is open daily from 8AM to 7PM from April 1st to September 30th and closes at 5PM from October 1st to March 31st. It is closed on December 25th.
You will find a number of resources at the Welcome Center as well as a bookstore. Here you can find maps, kiosks and information services as well as restrooms and water fountains. Extensive exhibits and displays document the history of the cemetery, from its beginnings as a gravesite in the backyard of Robert E. Lee’s home, Arlington House, to the formal designation of the land as a national cemetery.
Where to Stay:
Hilton Garden Inn Arlington/Courthouse Plaza
1333 N. Court House Road
Arlington, VA 22201
Toll Free Number: 866 538 1314
Hotels in the Arlington area can be quite expensive, so if you can stay in close proximity to the Cemetery and take the Metro, I highly suggest it!
Where to Eat:
Arlington Rooftop Bar & Grill
2424 Wilson Road
Arlington, VA 22201
Phone Number: 703 528 3030 (for reservations) or use Open Table
If you visit during a warm, sunny day, this rooftop restaurant is fabulous, located in the Clarendon area of Washington DC/Arlington area. They have an outstanding weekend brunch menu!
What to Eat:
- Fried Eggplant at Peter Chang
- Smoky Barbecue at Rocklands
- Chinese Hot Pot at Mala Tang
- Spanish plates at Ser
- Peruvian dishes at El Pollo Rico
- Russian and Uzbek cuisine at Rus Uz
- Filipino food at Bistro 1521
- Best Wine Bar is Grand Cru Wine Bar and Bistro
- For sweets its Buzz Bakeshop
Photo Guide for Washington DC:
- Arlington Cemetery
- Tomb of the Unknown Soldier
- Gravesites of John F. Kennedy and Jackie Onassis
- Air Force Memorial
- Netherlands Carillon
Sunset in Key West
