Home Of The Tomb Of The Unknown Soldier - Arlington Cemetery

Arlington Cemetery is one of two cemeteries in the National Cemetery System that are maintained by the US Army. The property was originally part of an estate owned by Martha Washington’s grandson, George Washington Parke Custis, who built a house, Arlington House, to serve as a home and memorial to George Washington.

In 1862, the US Congress passed legislation authorizing the federal government to purchase the land for a national cemetery for the purpose of burying military dead. Arlington National Cemetery was established on May 13, 1864. It is an enduring tribute to the more than 400,000 active duty service members, veterans and their families that dedicated their lives to defending the nation.

This is what caught my eye.

A map of the cemetery

The Memorial Amphitheater

Thousands of brave men and women have been laid to rest in Arlington.

Do you like the images posted?
Click here to explore the shop.

Arlington National Cemetery: A Guided Tour Through History (Timeline)

By Parzych, Cynthia

Where Valor Rests: Arlington National Cemetery

By Atkinson, Rick

On Hallowed Ground: The Story of Arlington National Cemetery

By Poole, Robert M.

A few of the displays in the welcome center

.

The eternal flame and graves of 35th United States President John Fizgerald Kennedy, Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy Onasis. Their son, Patrick Bouvier Kennedy is also buried at this site.

Near the Kennedy family grave site

Graves with Arlington House sitting at the top of the hill. Arlington House was constructed between 1802 and 1818, and was the first memorial to George Washington.

The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is the cemeteries most iconic memorial. In October 1921, four bodies of unidentified US military personnel were exhumed from different American military cemeteries in France. In November, 1921 the Unknown were transported to Arlington, and a ceremony was conducted at the Memorial Amphitheater and the Unknown were interred here in the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. The changing of the guard occurs hourly October - March, and every half hour April - September.

.

The Memorial Amphitheater was dedicated on May 15, 1920. Ceremonies are held here throughout the year including Easter, Memorial Day and Veterans Day.

Designed by Thomas Hastings, the colonnaded building consists mostly Vermont Danny marble. The interior spaces include a memorial chapel and a room with displays related to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

.

Sculpture Herbert Haseltine created this statue of British Field Marshall Sir John Dill. Dill is the highest-ranking foreign military officer buried here.

This is a place to remember the men and women who served their nation and gain a sense of their sacrifice.

What you should know:

• There are many walkways to explore the cemetery.

• Restrooms are available.

• Entrance to the cemetery is free, although there is a charge for parking.

• There is a physical visitor screening which requires ID check for entry.

• You can walk the cemetery and do a self-guided tour or board the tram for a guided tour for an additional cost.

• You could spend a couple of hours to an entire day here depending on you level of interest.

• Check website for days and hours of operation, and any special events.

Location: 1 Memorial Avenue, Arlington, Virginia 22211

For more information: Arlington National Cemetery