Arlington, Virginia

We visited Arlington National Cemetery on a dark and dreary day. The weather during the rest of our trip was sunny and warm, but it was perfect that our rainy days happened during our serious sightseeing.


These white grave markers go on forever and ever. I think they said that 331,000 service men and women (and some family members) are buried at Arlington.


Only two presidents are buried at Arlington: John F Kennedy and William Howard Taft. One stop at our tour was the burial place and eternal flame of JFK, Jackie, and their two deceased children. Ted and Robert are also buried nearby.


Every hour there is a changing of the guards ceremony at the tombs of the unknown soldiers. Three service men are buried here: one from WWI, WWII, and Korean War. The unknown soldier from Vietnam was identified recently, so the fourth tomb is empty. Ingrid learned from our tour guide that the guarding of the tombs originated because people would picnic in this area and sit on the grave sites. Now it is a ritual for respect.


The tomb of the unknown soldier from WWI. Can you see the inscription? So sweet.


All of the gravestones are lined up to symbolize souldiers at attention. They were lined up left to right, front to back, and diagonally! This place knows what I like.


This amphitheater was all white marble. I love it so much!


At the end of our tour, a funeral passed by us. They do 27 funerals at Arlington each weekday. It was nice to see how a soldier is honored, but heartbreaking to see the family members following the procession.