Arlington National Cemetery

We arrived in Arlington, Virginia late on Friday evening. The traffic down was much heavier than we expected (beginning with road construction in two different locations in Connecticut that completely threw off our timing) and we didn't end up getting to bed until about 11 p.m.  Nevertheless, we awoke around 6:15 on Saturday morning and headed to Arlington National Cemetery so that we could be there when it opened.  For Lee, this was probably the best part of the entire trip, and for me as well.  I had been to Arlington before, but experiencing it as an adult was even more meaningful.  The girls surprised us with how solemn they were and how many thoughtful questions they asked.  It was an amazing way to start off our trip.

The cherry blossoms were in bloom!

Our first stop was the graves of John F. Kennedy, Jackie Kennedy and their two infant children. 

Just a week before he died, JFK visited Arlington National Cemetery and exclaimed about its beauty, which is why Jackie Kennedy decided to have him buried there.  After viewing their graves and the eternal flame, you turn around to walk about and see a stunning view of the city. 

Although there are rows and rows of government stones, there are also some large and ornate headstones.  Which is why we were surprised to find that Audie Murphy, the most decorated American veteran of World War II, was remembered with such a simple stone. 

When we arrived at the Tomb of Unknowns, taps was playing in the distance, as a changing of the guard ceremony finished.  It set the mood and it was surprising to see hundreds (if not 1,000) people stand in silence for almost a half hour, as the soldier stood guard and as the changing of the guard ceremony took place.

The ceremony surrounding the changing of the guard is intense.  Everything is in synch.  Everything in counts of 21.  Every "click" mirrored by the soldier standing guard.

Notice the brown streaks on the cement - the soldiers walk the exact same paths, hour of hour, day after day, and the paths have worn down the pavement. 

Memorial to the lives lost in the Challenger explosion.  Lee and I were in 5th grade when it happened and remember it vividly - we realized this as we were explaining it to the girls. 

The view from the front lawn of Arlington House.  It is little wonder that the Union troops took Robert E. Lee's house as soon as Lee left - not as punishment (at the time), but as a strategic advantage.

Robert E. Lee and his wife exchanged wedding vows under the center archway, as did two slave couples. 

"Graffiti" left by Union soldiers - their signatures. 

Civil War Unknowns monument. 

General Philip Kearny statue - the Kearny Medal (now the Medal of Honor) was bestowed by Kearny to Union officers (and later, enlisted men) who had performed acts of extreme bravery and heroism in the face of the enemy. You can't see it from this angle, but Kearny only has one arm. 

The original gate to the cemetery.