Arlington National Cemetery

One of the places I really wanted to see while we were here was Arlington National Cemetery.  We decided to go there after attending the temple.  It was an amazing experience!  There is such a feeling of reverence and respect there.  Just looking over all those graves was an experience I am grateful I had.  I loved watching the changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.  I really loved watching all the veterans who were there in their wheelchairs to pay their respect.

The Veterans Section

Here Rests in Honored Glory an American Soldier Known But to God

At the top of the hill is Robert E. Lee's home. There is an amazing view of Washington DC from the Lee's home.   I didn't know the story about how Arlington Cemetery came to be where it is. The cemetery is on General Lee's property because it was a hill where the graves would be safe.  The general who was charged to find a spot for the cemetery had been General Lee's friend and couldn't forgive him for helping the south so he picked the Lee's land for the cemetery.  The first 22 graves were placed around Mrs. Lee's flower garden.

There is also a Tomb of the Unknown Civil War Soldier.  It isn't guarded like the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, but there is a reverent feeling there.



John F. Kennedy's family is buried at the base of the hill below the Lee's home.  The story was that once President Kennedy visited the area and said he loved it there. He said he could stay there forever.  Not long after the visit President Kennedy was assassinated and they decided to bury him there.  There is a flame that burns at the Kennedy's graves.

Cherry Blossoms at Arlington National Cemetery