We walked to the Arlington National Cemetery from the Lincoln Memorial. As we walked across the Arlington Memorial Bridge my memory of the JFK funeral procession that was televised decades ago, immediately came to life as we walked the same route. There are two statues that flank the start of the bridge honoring deceased veterans. “Sacrifice” is on the left, and “Valor” is on the right representing two perfect descriptors of the veterans. (My parents are buried at Tahoma National Cemetery. Dad was a 21-year army veteran.)
I knew Arlington National Cemetery was quite impressive in size, but it was way beyond what I had imagined. 620+ acres!! Due to the vastness of the sections and quantity of sites within each section, we decided it was a great idea to buy a tram ticket tour that allows you to get on and off throughout the day. ($13.95 per senior ticket) Oh, thank goodness we did this!! The vastness of this cemetery cannot be adequately portrayed in pictures.
The tram took us first to the JFK family grave site. President Kennedy’s permanent grave was moved about 20 feet east from the temporary site. While this move was planned, the number of constant visitors and the need to maintain the integrity of the neighboring graves, and the land surrounding them, a complete terrace was built, and maybe completed a little sooner. The irregular stones in the area of the actual graves are Cape Cod granite. Fescue and clover grow between the stones to be like the stones lying naturally in Massachusetts.
The site incorporated an eternal flame. Jackie’s grave is here, along with their two infants. Patrick Bouvier Kennedy who died within three days after his premature birth, and Arabelle, a daughter, who was Jackie’s first pregnancy. Arabelle was stillborn.
The top of the low, curved granite wall that back edge of the terrace slopes gently toward you and contains inscribed quotations from President Kennedy. While being low to the ground the gentle slope allows a person to easily read the quotes when standing near with “background” views of additional sections of the cemetery.
Robert Kennedy’s grave site was to the left of the area made for JFK’s family.
From here we went to a couple cemetery sections nearby where we found Thurgood Marshall’s grave, and Chief Justice Warren Burger.
From here we went to Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s grave. I had a list of names and locations of grave sites I wanted to see. The late Superior Court Judge, Ruth Bader Ginsberg was a priority on my list. Evidently she was a priority of thousands of others because the government had to make a wood chip path for visitors to use. Not only does it help visitors know where to go, it helps keep them ON that path to protect the grass/ground around all the graves in close proximity. We really miss her presence on the Supreme Court! She gave her life to service – real service to the people of the United States.
Having attended Muskingum College, the same as my mom and John Glenn is probably what initiated my fascination with John and Annie Glenn. I thought it was pretty cool that my mom knew them. John was three years older than my mom. I loved the movie “The Right Stuff”, and how Ed Harris portrayed John Glenn. He nailed Glenn’s prankster nature, and edge of arrogance toward competitors, but also his gentle loving side when it came to his relationship with his wife Annie Glenn. Of course I wanted to pay my respects at his gravesite.
Additional must see sites:
Space Shuttle Challenger Astronauts (a triangular prism)
USS Maine Memorial with the actual mast from the ship.
Our timing was perfect to catch a new tram and get to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier for the next changing of the guard.
Evolution of the tomb:
The first picture below is looking up to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at the top of the stairs in the distance, and in front of the Memorial Amphitheater. The picture on the right is where the tram dropped us off to follow the paved path to the right of the stairs as it then that curves around the amphitheater to the plaza/terrace area where the changing of the guard takes place.
Witnessing the single guard on duty is a moving experience that is magnified when it moves into the meticulous changing of the guard. These guards are an elite group who applied and were selected to serve for a two-year term. They commit to extremely high standards not just while on AND off duty, but for the rest of their lives.
There are three unidentified bodies buried here, but the tomb stands symbolically to remember and honor all American unknowns who sacrificed their lives in war, regardless where they may be buried.
The “walk of 21.” A 21-gun salute is the highest honor for military personnel. Therefore, the Tomb Guard marches exactly 21 steps down the mat, turns, faces east for 21 seconds, turns and faces north for 21 seconds, and then takes exactly 21 steps back down the mat to repeat the process. The changing of the guard occurs exactly on the hour every hour day and night, but from April 1 – September 30 the guard changes also on the half hours. The guards stand watch 24 hours a day, everyday of the year no matter the weather.
No smoking or chewing of gum is permitted in the viewing area!
The changing of the guard is most impressive with extreme precision exhibited throughout.
Watch the entire changing of the guard in my video. (10min):
For more interesting information regarding the selection and duty of the sentinels click here.
The Memorial Amphitheater:
Our guide told us that each day there are 20-30 funeral services! WOW. Today, 28 were scheduled. Tram routes are adjusted out of respect throughout the day to avoid driving near sections hosting services. We were not able to visit two or three areas where several prominent graves are located. While that was disappointing for us, I appreciate the policy.
This gravestone near the road caught my eye as it appeared to come up out of the tree roots! I snapped a quick picture as we buzzed on by on the tram.
Next tram stop was Arlington House. Arlington House is the national memorial to Robert E. Lee. It is maintained by the National Park Service. This memorial honors Lee for his role in promoting peace and reunion after the Civil War. It is a place for contemplation of the meaning of some of the most difficult aspects of American history: military service; sacrifice; citizenship; duty; loyalty; slavery and freedom.
Slave quarters and garden area.
The city views of DC were incredible from here.
We boarded the tram back to the visitor center. We needed to find out which direction to go to get to section 66 for the gravesite of Laurie Mosoline, a friend from Oak Harbor, Washington. I first met Laurie when her older daughter, Lily, was one of my math students. I then got to know Laurie when she came to Camp Moran as one of Lily’s cabin counselors for the week. That week I introduced Laurie and her dear friend Dean Weldon to the game of Nertz. They were soon both addicted to this fast-paced card game. We played it every chance we got. I valued the relationship that continued, and was honored to later have Clay as one of my students. Unfortunately, I left Oak Harbor the year I would have had Maddie in class. Laurie was a very amazing lady.
I knew it would be a significant walk to find Laurie’s gravesite, but this was my priority in coming here today. Luckily, when I asked how to get her section, I was asked if I was visiting a loved one. I answered, “Yes”. She immediately told me to go over to the tram check-in/boarding area and ask the host for a “gravesite pass”, and they would provide us with a ride to the personal site. The host printed a ticket with a number to call when we were ready for our return ride. Within two minutes we were boarding a small transport bus and were dropped off at Section 66. I had no idea how long it might take to find site 6064 within the section, but it was only 4 rows down and about 3 or 4 sites in from the spot our driver dropped us off! (Anyone can search for specific grave location here.)
We were given a red poppy when we completed the tram tour. I “wired” mine onto the strap of my purse. Barry gave me his to place on Laurie’s headstone. Barry later took it and was sweet enough to “plant” the poppy here.
Our visit to Arlington National Cemetery was now complete. (Instead of walking all the way back via the bridge, we took the BLUE Metro from Arlington to the DC National Mall.) I am SO glad we made time to come to Arlington, and to find Laurie. It meant a lot.