Arlington National Cemetery

Back to the Metro this morning, we headed across the Potomac River to visit Arlington National Cemetery and to see the changing of the guard.  

As with everywhere we have been, it was really busy.  I was surprised by the number of people visiting on a cold Sunday morning.  

 L'Enfant Plaza switching station.

 Just a short ride on the Metro and when you arrive, you are pretty much right there at the entrance to the cemetery.

 Simply a beautiful picture.

 As instructed when laying the wreaths earlier this month, when you arrive at a grave site you read the name on the tombstone and every name gets said as a wreath is laid and it a way for no name to go unsaid and therefore it will be remembered.  So as we walked we read the names on gravesite.  These larger ones were many higher ranked military members and many had a spouse with them.

 Robert Kennedy's grave.

 John F Kennedy's grave with the flame burning that his wife lit during his funeral.

 The Tomb of the Unknown Solider.  Guarded 24 hours a day 365 days a year.  It is so interesting to read the story of the guard, how you become a guard and your duties.

 The tomb he guards says "Here rests in Honored Glory An America Solider, known but to God. "

During the winter months they change guards once per hour at the top of the hour.  There is a ceremony as the guard changes.  During the summer they do it more frequently every half hour.

 The Commander of the Change comes out first and has everyone stand for the changing and say a few words.

 It is 21 steps each way

What an amazing opportunity to see this! The respect that is shown and the commitment that these guards make.  These are the things that should be celebrated and go viral everyday in our country.