Arlington National Cemetery

We decided to visit the infamous Arlington National Cemetery the Saturday before Memorial Day. What a perfect time to visit such a beautiful and historical place.

If you have ever been there, you will notice that Robert E. Lee's estate is prominently placed there. The estate was passed down to them through Mary Ann Custus Lee, the great grand-daughter of Martha Washington and wife of Robert E. Lee.

So, when the South lost the Civil War, part of the deal was that Robert E. Lee would give up his estate and it would be used as a cemetery (they were filling up quickly everywhere else). So, Robert E. Lee moved out, leaving his wife to pack up. The tombstones began in a circle around his home, so he would never feel comfortable to come home. What a beautiful estate it was too.

Thus began the Arlington National Cemetery...one of the most famous cemeteries in the world.

So, guess who else decided to show up that day? Ever heard of the Rolling Thunder? Yea, they were in town and we saw a lot of them!

I love the beauty of the area. Each tombstone perfectly laid and symmetrical in every direction. Since it was Memorial Day weekend, a flag was placed at every tombstone. Beautiful.

President Kennedy is buried here as well with his wife, and two deceased children. If you notice, there is the "Eternal Flame" that is always afire (thus the great name).

Then, we headed down to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. On our way, we noticed the soldiers taking down the flag.

And then came the changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. I don't know if I have ever felt so patriotic in my life. When the soldier told everyone to stand up, they did so without hesitation. When they walked by, it was perfectly quiet. The respect that is shown towards these graves is unbelievable and really quite hard to describe.

Their routine was done perfectly. I guess it is one of the highest honors to serve as a ceremonial guard at the Tomb of the Unknowns. Fewer than 20% of all volunteers are accepted for training and of those only a fraction pass training to become full-fledged Tomb Guards.

Most interesting is their meticulous ritual that the guard follows when watching over the graves:

1. The soldier walks 21 steps across the Tomb. This alludes to the 21-gun salute, which is the highest honor given to any military or foreign dignitary in America. His weapon is always on the shoulder opposite of the Tomb

2. On the 21st step, the soldier turns and faces the Tomb for 21 seconds.

3. The soldier then turns to face the other way across the Tomb and changes his weapon to the outside shoulder.

4. After 21 seconds, the first step is repeated.

What incredible endearment is shown towards the "Unknown Soldiers." It makes you appreciate each and every soldier and their contribution towards the freedom of our country, whether they be a General or a civilian fighting for his family. I am proud to be a member of such an incredible country that allows the freedoms it does. Thank you to all of you who have fought for our country and have made sacrifices for each and every one of us.

I love the U.S.A.!