There was no point in attempting to leave DC during rush hour, so I headed out to see Arlington National Cemetery. Here I go, looking for adjectives again. Moving? Serene? Heartbreaking?
In every direction, row upon row of graves. Most simple headstones, others more elaborate. Row upon row. Tree-lined lanes, gently rolling hillsides, row upon row. Upon row...
Happened to be at the Tomb of the Unknowns when the changing of the guard took place. An amazingly precise and solemn ceremony. This is done every 30 minutes in summer and every hour in winter. A new wreath was put in place, adding to the ceremony and including the playing of "Taps."
Seeing JFK's grave and the eternal flame were "a must," and I was impressed with the simplicity of the graves of both Robert and Edward Kennedy. Simple white stone, plain white cross.
I did not know that wives and children of some service members were also buried in Arlington. The cemetery is running out of burial space. And the wars go on. Row upon row...
In another case of being in the right place at the right time, there was also a ceremony at which the "Patriot Flag" was displayed. This huge American flag was flown in 50 states in 50 days to honor the victims and heroes of 9/11. The flag was attached to the ladder of an Arlington, VA fire truck and raised high above the grounds just down the hill from the Tomb of the Unknowns. The flags of all 50 states were in place, and even tho I missed whatever speeches took place, I did have a chance to see the beautiful sight of this flag waving in the breeze.
made me teary eyed
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