Tuesday we decided to go to Arlington National Cemetery. Surprisingly, neither of us had ever been there so a visit was long overdue. We got kind of a late start to the day so we didn’t leave until after lunch but it was only about 20 minutes away.

We got there and started at the visitor’s center which takes a good hour in itself if you read through all the plaques inside, which we did. We pretty much knew what Arlington was about but we certainly learned quite a bit, as well.

The property was originally owned by George Washington Parke Curtis, grandson of George and Martha Washington, back in 1802. From there it went to his daughter Mary, who married Robert E. Lee. Then on to their son. During the Civil War, the government was looking for a burial ground for the deceased soldiers and jumped at the chance to confiscate that land from General Lee. But later Lee’s son, sued and won a decision for the property to be returned to the family. In 1883 the government properly purchased the property from Lee and turned it into what it is today.

Of course, one of the big attractions to Arlington is the tomb of the unknown soldier. The first body buried there was a randomly chosen, unidentified soldier in France, brought over under great ceremony both in France and back in the US. That was in 1921 but it wasn’t until 1932 that the current tomb was finalized. There are unknown soldiers from WWI, WWII, and the Korean war. There was a soldier buried there from Vietnam but he was later identified and the body brought to St. Louis to be buried with his family.

The tomb has been continually guarded, 24/7, since 1937. As you’ll see if you watch the video below he goes through a very precise routine. He walks 21 steps, stands for 21 seconds, then repeats. All representing the 21 gun salute. They change out the guard every 30 minutes. Also at the tomb is a memorial amphitheater that contains many artifacts along with items donated by many dignitaries throughout the years.

Some notable people buried there are Lincoln’s son, daughter in law and grandson, John and Jackie Kennedy, President Taft, Ruth Ginsberg and John Lautenburg, long time Senator for New Jersey for my Jersey people. There is an eternal flame next to the Kennedys’ site.

Ok, I’ve gone on enough for this post. Enjoy the pics and videos, or don’t lol.

Warning, long video ahead, lol.