Arlington National Cemetery - Arlington, VA

How do I even begin to describe to you my humbling visit to Arlington National Cemetery? This visit will forever be etched in my mind as one of the most memorable places I have been.

It was raining the day we decided to visit Arlington National Cemetery, which made our visit even more sombering. Being it was raining, we took a tour bus through the 200 acres cemetery. The tour bus stopped by General Lee's House, and the Kennedy gravesites close by, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier where the Changing of the Guards take place every half hour, and a final stop where the name is slipping my mind at the moment. As we continued along the pathways, the guide told of who was resting where, what sites were new, and who got the privilege of being burried here.

We stopped off the bus at the site of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier to witness the Changing of the Guards. The Changing of the Guards occur just beyond the Memorial Amphitheater where many services occur throughout the year to honor all service men and women who keep our country free. The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is guarded 24/7, 365 days a year, regardless of weather, and the Changing of the Guard occurs every half hour. This process is just surreal. A guard is standing at the Tomb, when another soldier walks down a path to the edge of the area where the Tomb is. He is met by the current guard, and they march side by side to the front of the Tomb. They do some choreographed steps and gun movements, and the retired guard walks off, leaving the Tomb to the new guard.

I can write it all I want, but it is nothing like being there, nothing at all! Although we were soaking to the bone, I wouldn't have missed it for the world! The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier's Changing of the Guards is an event you will not want to miss!

Tips on Arlington National Cemetery:
-The cemetery is about a 15-20 minute walk from the nearest metro station, so be prepared to walk a little ways.
-When you get to the cemetery, go to the visitor's center and decide if you want to walk the grounds, or take a bus tour.
-I personally would recommend the bus tour. It goes quicker than if you walk, the guides are very informative, and they don't let you miss anything important.