Our Family Visits Washington, D.C. - Arlington National Cemetery

"Our flag does not fly because the wind moves it.  

It flies with the last breath of each soldier 

who died protecting it."  - Unknown

As I revisit the photographs of our time at Arlington, I am again overwhelmed at the price that has been paid.  The emotion we felt during our visit is a little difficult to put into words.  It was a sacred and special time for us to pay tribute to those we were never able to personally thank.  It was also a time for our children to gain a greater perspective.  One cannot view the thousands of crosses without being humbled and grateful.

There are a couple of ways you can tour the cemetery.  Walking paths are convenient and easy, although there are lots of rolling hills that can be deceptively challenging, especially on a steaming hot afternoon!  You can also ride a transport from location to location within the cemetery.  See the website here for details on tickets and hours.

Be sure to visit the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and stay for the changing of the guard.  It is a solemn and sobering moment.  Children should be instructed to be quiet and respectful at all times, even when the change is completed.  We noticed that immediately at the end of the ceremony, the audience that had gathered started to become loud, and they were reprimanded sternly by the officer that had just finished the change.

There is some shade around the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, and there is a small air conditioned museum just at the top of the viewing area.  You will see that the sun and heat had absolutely drained me.  I had to have a seat pretty quickly!

The Eternal Flame at the graves of John and Jacqueline  Kennedy is a beautiful tribute.  Once again, it is a bit of a walk, but once you get there you are granted bonus views of the Lincoln Memorial and the Washington Monument just across the Potomac River.

"As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the

highest appreciation is not to utter the words, but to live by them."  - John F. Kennedy

The visitors center is spacious and air conditioned, and has plenty of restrooms and drinking fountains.  If you have time, you may want to browse the gallery of informational areas there.

A parking garage is located very near the visitors center.  This is a convenient location for tourists, and you can pretty much dictate the amount of time you wish to spend.  

If you have questions about something I've not covered, be sure to comment.  I'll do my best to answer or help you find an answer.