It is cold out tonight when I take Sandy out for her final walk of the day. Tom is in bed as he has to get up very early for work. The change in weather reminds me that it was some time ago that Tom and I visited Arlington Cemetery for the first time. I better get this blog finished before I forget the events of that day.
http://www.arlingtoncemetery.mil/visitor_information/index.htm
We took the Metro to Arlington Cemetery which is one of the stops on the blue line (our line). There are a lot of rules in DC Metro, but I haven't seen more than the ones at Arlington. It is heavily staffed with security guards and you will get a scolding if you walk where you aren't supposed to be-even if by mistake. There are not the usual trappings of a tourist stop with souvenirs and and refreshments. Everyone is expected to behave and show the respect due this place.
 |
| Entrance to Arlington Cemetery |
We decided to take
tourmobile sightseeing tram for our first visit. The grounds are immense and I cannot imagine walking throughout the cemetery without wheels of some sort. The tour guides were very good and we switched tour guides frequently as you are free to board and re board at the designated stops. it is nice that you can take your time and not feel rushed. There are specific rules about lining up to re-board...lots of rules.
Tom had visited Arlington several times previously, and was anxious to see the changing of the guard ceremony again. He said he had never heard the guards speak, but the day we were there-"
Young Lady- get back behind the rail!-Thank you!" Holy crow, everybody jumped and no, the young lady was not me. That little kid will probably always remember this incident.
 |
| Tomb of the Unknown Soldier |
The ceremony is awe inspiring and I marvel at the well-behaved crowd. Decorum is not optional.
The history dating back to the Civil War is right there in front of your eyes-amazing.
 |
| Tomb of the unknowns civil war era |
 |
View of the Washington Monument
|
We made a stop at the
Arlington House-also known as the Custis-Lee Mansion which is being refurbished and having air conditioning and other modern amenities added .I assume this is to preserve the structure. The furniture had been cleared out and there wasn't much to see this time around.
 |
| View of theCustis- Lee House |
The burial sites of the Kennedy family were my primary aim. I can still remember seeing Mrs. Kennedy lighting the eternal flame on JFK's grave, it made quite an impression, even as a third grader. It seemed to me that the whole world came to a standstill for a few days.
 |
| Ted Kennedy |
 |
| Robert Kennedy |
The above link has a nice picture of the JFK eternal flame.
 |
| Photo of JFK's funeral in the visitors center |
Unfortunately, I did not get a good picture of President Kennedy's burial site and the eternal flame. His wife Jacqueline is buried next to him as well as his infant son who died due to prematurity. I will have to get a good picture on my next trip. It is absolutely stunning to see in person.
 |
| Visitor center |
We saw a motorcycle escort for a funeral procession. The families are allowed as much privacy as possible in this public place. From time to time we could hear Taps being played and 21 gun salutes as we toured. As I write this today, the Supreme Court is hearing arguments on the right to demonstrate at Military funerals. I think the following article speaks for itself.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/10/06/AR2010100600276.html
 |
| Funeral escorts show their respects |
A trip to the Women's memorial building is a must. It is also on the grounds of Arlington. They have a nice gift shop and I have to show you my latest purchase:
 |
I am a blank slate!
|
 |
| My handsome husband Tom |
As much as I would love to write about Tom's job here, I am not at liberty to do so. My blogs will have to be about our personal lives in Metro DC. I hope to become a more knowledgeable Army wife in the future.By years' end I would love to be able to rattle off the acronyms of the military and find my way around Fort Belvoir. One thing is for sure, I couldn't be more proud to be an Army wife.
No comments:
Post a Comment