Memorial Day always brings a tear to my eye as I often reflect on the visible impact Arlington National Cemetery has had on thousands of the middle school children that I’ve been blessed to take on tour to our Nation’s Capital. It is a special place – solemn and heart-breaking, but beautiful and inspiring too!
Here is a video from one of my recent educational tours to Washington, DC where the students had the honor of participating in the wreath laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier – a very somber and emotional moment, yet very inspiring as these young adults and those who watched paid their respects.
I honestly believe if everyone had the opportunity to visit the hallowed grounds of Arlington National Cemetery and reflect on the 400,000 men and women buried there who served their country so honorably, many having paid the ultimate sacrifice, our country would be an even better place.
As I continue to focus on Washington, DC as a family friendly destination, Arlington National Cemetery is a national treasure, a must see, and is suitable for the entire family to visit.
Everywhere you go, you are reminded of the events, and the heroes involved, that changed the course of history of the United States. The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is one of the most reverent sites. The Changing of the Guard ceremony takes place every hour and is done with a solemn precision that adds dignity and respect to the fallen soldier.
You will also see many different memorials, like the one of those who perished in our space program. You will see a special section dedicated to those who have served on the Supreme Court. You’ll see the grave sites of civil rights leaders who gave their lives for the cause of freedom for African Americans.
And you will see grave sites of friends and family members from your communities.
Arlington House, Robert E. Lee Memorial
You’ll see generals buried next to privates and both will have nothing more than the simple, but elegant, grave marker provided by the government. From President Kennedy’s gravesite, and the eternal flame, you can look up and see the home of General Robert E Lee and then turn around and see the magnificent and majestic view of Washington, D.C. and the United States Capitol building.
There are funerals almost every day and there’s a good chance you will see a caisson and horses that are mounted by impeccably dressed soldiers moving through the cemetery going to or coming from a burial.
Memorial Day in the United States is far more than a three-day weekend or the unofficial start of summer. It is a time to reflect and pay respect to those that have given their lives for our freedom.
