Travel & Vacation: Arlington Cemetery, Washington DC

Arlington Cemetery

Our first big stop on the second day of touring Washington, D.C. was Arlington Cemetery.  The girls were amazed at all the gravestone markers.  It was neat to read the names and see what wars they served in.  Just being there makes you appreciate those who serve our country and what a great sacrifice they make to serve.

It was a little windy and required more walking at Arlington Cemetery, but it was well worth the trip.  The girls were fascinated and grateful that the soldiers were honored for their service to our nation.

One of their favorite monuments in Arlington Cemetery included a horse.  This monument is of Field Marshal Sir John Greer Dill who was a British commander in both World War I and World War II.   He was instrumental during World War II in forming a relationship between the United Kingdom and the United States.

Changing of the guards at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.  The change takes place in front of the Tomb of Unknown Soldiers every 3o minutes, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

In the process of switching guards at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.  While they are changing guards you may watch, but they ask you to remain silence out of respect for the soldiers and those family members who may be visiting their loved ones.

It was neat to watch the process they go through to switch guards and to know that those unknown soldiers are being honored for their service.  It’s sad to think that there are many unknown soldiers, however, we are grateful for the respect they are given.  During the changing of the guards the soldier takes 21 steps because a 21 gun salute for a soldier is the highest honor given to any military soldier.  The inscription on the front column outside the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier says “Here Rests In Honored Glory An American Soldier Known But To God”

Walking through the inside part of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldiers

Checking out the stones, names, and information as we stroll back down the hill.

Sitting on the steps outside of the John F. Kennedy Memorial

In front of John F. Kennedy’s memorial is an eternal flame that was lighted by Mrs. Kennedy the day of the funeral.  It is set in a 5 foot circular granite stone that is located at the head of President Kennedy’s grace and was specially designed to always remain lit with a flame even in wind and rain.

Taking a quick rest from all the walking around Arlington Cemetery.

Karlie and Brina looking at all the memorials.

 Mommy and her girls are Arlington Cemetery in Washington, D.C.

Touring the Arlington Cemetery was a wonderful reminder of the many men and women who have served our country.  It gave our kids a greater appreciation for those in service.  Thankful the opportunity to explore such a nice place with our family while we were in Washington, D.C.