10 Things to Do in Arlington National Cemetery, Washington United States
Arlington National Cemetery is one of the most hallowed grounds in the United States. Located just across the Potomac River from Washington D.C., it is the final resting place for more than 400,000 active duty service members, veterans, and their families. Visitors to the cemetery can pay their respects, honor those who have served, and learn about the history and significance of the site. Here are 10 things to do in Arlington National Cemetery, Washington United States.
1. Visit the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier: The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is the most visited site in the cemetery. It is a memorial to the unidentified soldiers who died in World War I, World War II, and the Korean War. The Tomb is guarded 24 hours a day, 365 days a year by a special unit of the U.S. Army known as the Old Guard. Visitors can watch the changing of the guard ceremony, which takes place every hour on the hour from April 1 to September 30, and every half hour from October 1 to March 31.
2. Attend a Wreath Laying Ceremony: Throughout the year, Arlington National Cemetery hosts wreath-laying ceremonies to honor the service and sacrifice of those who have served in the United States military. These ceremonies are open to the public and provide an opportunity to pay tribute to the fallen.
3. Visit the Kennedy Gravesite: The Kennedy Gravesite is one of the most popular sites in the cemetery. It is the final resting place of President John F. Kennedy, First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, and two of their children, Patrick and Arabella. Visitors can also visit the Eternal Flame, which is located at the head of the grave.
4. Attend a Memorial Day Service: Each year, Arlington National Cemetery hosts a Memorial Day service to honor the men and women who have died in service to their country. The service includes a wreath-laying ceremony, a 21-gun salute, and the playing of “Taps.”
5. Visit the Women in Military Service for America Memorial: The Women in Military Service for America Memorial is a tribute to the more than two million women who have served in the United States military. The memorial features a wall of honor, which contains the names of thousands of women who served in the armed forces.
6. Visit the Amphitheater: The Amphitheater at Arlington National Cemetery is the site of many important ceremonies, including the Memorial Day service and the annual ceremony to honor the recipients of the Medal of Honor. The Amphitheater also hosts special events throughout the year, including concerts and lectures.
7. Visit the U.S. Marine Corps War Memorial: The U.S. Marine Corps War Memorial is a tribute to the Marines who have died in service to their country. The memorial features a bronze statue of the six Marines raising the flag on Iwo Jima.
8. Visit the Memorial to the Missing of Vietnam and Laos: The Memorial to the Missing of Vietnam and Laos is a tribute to the more than 2,500 Americans who are still missing in action or unaccounted for from the Vietnam War. It is located near the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
9. Visit the Memorial to the Missing of World War II: The Memorial to the Missing of World War II honors the more than 72,000 Americans who are still missing in action or unaccounted for from the war. It is located near the Kennedy Gravesite.
10. Visit the Memorial to the Missing of the Korean War: The Memorial to the Missing of the Korean War honors the more than 8,000 Americans who are still missing in action or unaccounted for from the war. It is located near the Amphitheater.
Visiting Arlington National Cemetery is a humbling experience that provides an opportunity to honor the service and sacrifice of those who have served our country. Whether you are attending a ceremony, visiting a memorial, or simply paying your respects, there is something for everyone to experience at Arlington National Cemetery.