Arlington National Cemetery

A trip to Washington D.C. for the temple open house gave us several opportunities that we never had or didn't take in previous trips.  On Sunday we went to Arlington as we had never experienced it before.

As we had limited time, we paid to ride the trolley and get the narrated tour.  That is the only way to do this tour.

This bowl is behind the tomb of the unknown soldier.  I wonder if this is the place where some of the funerals are held.  I can't imagine what else it would be used for in such a solemn place.

The "Tomb of the unknown soldier" is just that.  There are remains there of servicemen who were never identified.  If the remains are identified, they are moved to a grave.  We were there for the changing of the guard which is quite a ritual.  I was impressed at how these soldiers reverence this duty!

John F. Kennedy and his wife Jackie along with their two children who died either at birth or before are also buried here.  There is the "eternal flame" just above their headstones which Jackie lit.

As I looked around at the thousands of graves, I was in awe of the sheer number of headstones.  

Each one of those headstones marks the grave of someone who died giving their service for the freedoms in this country that we enjoy.

I never realized just how many there were.  That doesn't count those that never came home and those that are buried in their hometown cemetery. 

It gave me a new found appreciation for those who have fought and currently fight.

The front side of the tomb of the unknown soldier.  We were silent as we passed by even though we were quite a distance away.  We heard "Taps" being played.

The grave of JFK with the eternal flame just above.

It was a solemn experience and very moving emotionally.  Prior to the tour we visited the Visitors' Center and learned a lot about the wars our country has been involved in.  I do not have the words to express how I felt as I read so many of the plaques.  The whole experience was powerful!