Memorial Day 2007

My suspect writing skills don't lend themselves to stirring essays, but I would if I could. This Memorial Day, C&I went to Arlington National Cemetery. There is a special ceremony at Arlington on Memorial Day when the President or his designee lay a wreath and have a special Memorial Day ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

Unfortunately we bowed out of that portion after arriving and seeing the line for the ceremony. There is a great deal of security put in place, and they required access to the ceremonies to be through their buses to help with security checks. The lines were incredible, so we decided to walk through Arlington instead.

I really think that going to Arlington Cemetery on Memorial Day ought to be one of those things that every American should attempt, especially those who are nearby here in the Northern Virginia area. At the very least, attending the Changing of the Guard ceremony at some point should be done. I really does impact a person to see the headstones stretch out in lines, covering the hills. Thousands upon thousands of headstones, over 220,000 so far, each of a person who served the military in defense of this country.

The Arlington National Cemetery is perhaps the only national monument that is still treated with respect by the visitors. Especially the main memorial points - Kennedy memorial, Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, and others - are visited by people who speak in low tones and don't jump and walk all over the place. Even the larger, general areas of tombs are treated with respect and don't have people randomly cutting across or shouting and playing. It's very refreshing and pleasant to experience. The Washington, Jefferson and Lincoln Memorials, and the Capitol Building don't have nearly the same atmosphere.

Maybe it's because C&I could wander around at our own pace, pausing where we were interested and passing by those areas which didn't catch our attention, I enjoyed this time far more than I think I've ever enjoyed visiting other monuments. I wouldn't suggest bring small children as there is a LOT of walking to do anything in Arlington. We walked for miles all throughout the Cemetery and visited the Arlington House, home of the Custis and Lee (as in Robert E. Lee!!) families, were able to listen to several 21 gun salutes (very awesome ceremonies with relatively modern artillery pieces!), and walked through the Women's Memorial Center. We loved it all!

If you have the chance, visit Arlington Cemetery, especially on Memorial Day, but if you want to see the special wreath laying ceremony or the special memorial service, you'd better get there when the gates open!