Last week I wrote about some of the many presidential monuments and war memorials in Washington, DC. I shared statistics such as the 54,000 American soldiers killed during the three-year Korean War and the staggering 400,000 who gave their lives during World War II. It is difficult to comprehend losses of that magnitude, so many young men and women simply gone. Many lie under the former battlefields of Europe, rows of white crosses punctuated by Stars of David flowing across the now-peaceful landscape. I visited the American Cemetery in Luxembourg where General Patton is buried with 5,000 of the men he led in battle.
As sobering as that sight was, imagine Arlington National Cemetery, the 624 acre memorial park where more than 300,000 people have been laid to rest. The graves are marked with uniform white tombstones, aligned in seemingly endless rows over the undulating hills. The cemetery is dotted with ancient trees and beds of colorful flowers, making it a serenely beautiful place to wander.
Active-duty veterans of the United States Armed Forces and their families are eligible for burial at Arlington National Cemetery. Walking among the graves, you’ll find soldiers from every conflict since the Civil War. The country’s premiere military cemetery was first established in 1864 by the Union general in command of the garrison at Arlington House, the confiscated family home of Confederate general Robert E. Lee. One of the earliest memorials on the property stands above a mass grave of unknown Union soldiers killed at the Battle of Bull Run in Manassas. More Civil War-era tombstones line the perimeter around the Lees’ rose garden.
The original Arlington House still stands on the highest hill overlooking Washington, DC. Built in 1802, it was likely saved from destruction by Union troops because the original owner of the house was George Washington’s adopted son, George Washington Parke Custis. The mansion has been fully restored to the time Robert E. Lee and his wife, Mary Custis, daughter of George Custis, lived there. Free guided tours are led by park rangers, who sometimes wear period dress. It’s a fascinating time capsule of antebellum life.
At the bottom of the hill directly below Arlington House lie the graves of U.S. President John F. Kennedy, his wife, Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis and two of their infant children who were reburied beside them. An Eternal Flame, lighted by Mrs. Kennedy after the president’s funeral, burns at the head of the grave plot to honor his memory.
JFK’s brother, Robert “Bobby” Kennedy, is buried a short distance away. Bobby, a U.S. Senator and World War II veteran, was also shockingly assassinated in the 1960s. His grave is marked with a marble footstone and a simple white cross. Their brother, Edward “Ted” Kennedy, a U.S. Senator for 43 years, is buried nearby with an identical grave marker. A memorial stone for the eldest brother, Joseph Kennedy, Jr, who was killed in action during World War II, was added to the site so all the brothers could be together. It’s a very touching tribute to one of America’s most revered political families.
While the only other U.S. president buried here is William Howard Taft (served 1908-1912), there are many other notable graves and memorials on the grounds honoring important individuals and significant events in American history. The saddest to me personally is the memorial to the Space Shuttle Challenger, which exploded during the launch in 1986, killing all seven crew members on board. Among them was Sharon Christa McAuliffe, a civilian set to become the first teacher in space. Elementary school classes like mine watched the live broadcast of the launch and subsequent explosion in horror. I vividly recall my teacher running from the room in tears.
Near the Challenger Memorial stands a monument to the Space Shuttle Columbia, which disintegrated upon reentry in 2003. A memorial to the brave men and women who died in the effort to rescue American hostages in Iran in 1979 is also located here.
The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is among the most famous memorials at Arlington National Cemetery. An unidentified American casualty of World War I was interred in 1921 to honor all the servicemen who gave their lives. Crypts were later added with unknown soldiers from World War II, Korea and Vietnam. The unknown solider from the Vietnam War was later identified through DNA testing, a technique that may make such memorials less likely in the future.
U.S. Marines keep a constant vigil, standing guard over the tomb 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. An elaborate Changing of the Guard ceremony takes place every hour and, if you’re lucky, you might even get to witness a wreath laying ceremony. While observing these services, please remember to stand and maintain a respectful silence.
Have you visited Arlington Cemetery? What were your impressions?
I’m happy to hear that you have spent a peaceful and relaxing afternoon at this cemetery. It looks like a very nice place for a walk :).
It’s a very nice place for a walk, Agness, and provides so much interesting historical context for the U.S.!
I like to visit cemeteries too in foreign countries, I’ve always felt a bit uncomfortable with it but since I started travelling I somehow managed to overcome it.
Cemeteries can provide a unique historical perspective, and some of the tombs and headstones are like works of art! I’ve been in a few extraordinary ones in Europe.
This cemetery looks absolutely nice. The best part is it is a very calm and peaceful place. Thanks for sharing this post.
Thanks, Peter!
What a wonderful tour, I forgot how beautiful Arlington is especially for springtime with those lovely blooms,thanks for sharing this Heather.
Thanks, Noel. I had been to Arlington several times before but never in the spring. It really was lovely and I’m sure the surroundings give some comfort to the families.
Lovely photos! I do enjoy visiting cemeteries and this one is particularly special
Thanks Andrea! It really is a very special place. I have several relatives who qualify for burial in Arlington and it’s nice to know that they have such a lovely resting place available to them if they choose.
What a meaningful visit that must have been. The landscaping of the cemetery is gorgeous and I’m sure it brings a sense of serenity to those who visit their loved ones lost at war.
Rosemarie, that’s so true. Several of my relatives qualify for burial there and it’s comforting just knowing that such a lovely place is available to them.
I’ve visited quite a few cemeteries throughout my travels, and, like you, always find wandering through them very peaceful. It’s also interesting to see the differences in them culture to culture.
The cultural differences can be fascinating! One of the first cemeteries I visited was in New Orleans and instead of graves, they had to use elaborate tombs because of the risk of flooding.
Wow! excellent pictures!! This graveyard looks definitely awesome. The best aspect is it is a very relaxed and relaxing position. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks John! It is a very special place.
Sombre but impressive. When I make it down to DC, I’ll be sure to take a shot over to NOVA to see this place and pay my respects…
David, you definitely should. Arlington is very easy to get to on the Blue metro line and, like many of DC’s best attractions, it’s free.
I was just in Arlington to see a play at Signature Theater. I had to skip the cemetery due to lack of time, but now I wish I had made some time for it. It looks beautiful.
I hope you get to visit one day, Kendra. It’s such a special place. I’ve been in every season and it’s worth visiting anytime of year. Hope you enjoyed the play!