We visited Arlington National Cemetery (it's a short Metro ride from our home). Have you ever been there? From the moment you walk through the gilded gates you appreciate the magnificent memorial President Lincoln wanted, "...for the soldiers who shall die in the service of their country."
It's an overwhelmingly sad yet beautiful and peaceful place where nearly 300,000 American heroes eternally rest.
(In this shot you can see the Air Force Memorial beyond the headstones.)
We paid our respects to Captain Project's old Army buddy, Tommy, who was killed in action in Iraq.
President Kennedy was once quoted as saying, "...there will be no veterans of any further wars...because all shall have learned to live together in peace." These words tumbled through my mind as we walked for a good two hours past the endless rows of headstones.
The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier has been under guard for 24 hours a day since 1936.
This is the new Memorial Amphitheater, built in 1915 (the original, built in 1874, still stands).
One of many breathtaking views ~ this is Pierre L'Enfant's (he designed the city of Washington, DC) tomb, overlooking DC (if you look closely, you can see the Capital and the Washington Monument in the distance).
Over 3 million people visit the cemetery every year but it is always quiet and other than in the welcome center, you don't see many people because there are over 600 acres of land.
If you have the opportunity to visit this honored and deeply revered site, I hope you will.
5 comments:
It's a beautiful place and I've been lucky enough to visit it several times. When I worked in Arlington I was witness to many processions and even considered selling my horse to them for their white horse team. The funeral processions, while profoundly sad are really quite beautiful. So glad you're able to go and visit all these places again...growing up there we never went unless we had guests.
I have been once... and it was beautiful and peaceful.
Blessings,
Amy Jo
I've never been. Thank-you for these beautiful photos. It was like being there.
I'm surprised it was open. How blessed you are to be able to visit. My one trip to Washington D.C. didn't afford me enough time to visit, but it's definitely on the list!
I'm having another giveaway if you get a chance to visit.
Hugs,
Meri
WOW! Thank you so much for sharing my dear.
Hugs
donna
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