August 13, 2021

Washington D.C. has always been on our list of places we wanted to take the kids. Well after almost 20 years, we finally made it, although I am pretty sure we picked the hottest day of the year to explore the National Mall. But first a visit to Arlington National Cemetery to pay our respects to those who have made the ultimate sacrifice.

Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.

John 15:13 (ESV)

Arlington National Cemetery Facts

• Located in Arlington, Virginia, it is the final resting place for over 400,000 veterans, their eligible dependents, 2 presidents, including John F. Kennedy, and the remains of the seven astronauts who died aboard the Challenger Space Shuttle on January 28, 1986
• Arlington became a national cemetery on June 15, 1864
• Servicemen/women from every one of America’s major wars, including the Revolutionary War, are buried at ANC
• Originally 200 acres, it has been expanded to 639 acres over the years
• Arlington National Cemetery receives over 3 million visitors annually

Wanting to beat the crowds, we headed over to Arlington National Cemetery first thing in the morning. Ben was especially excited as he had researched the Tomb of the Unknown Solider and wanted to witness the Changing of the Guard. Parking happened to be free that morning and because the cemetery had just opened, we quickly found a spot and went through the security checkpoint with just a handful of other visitors.

As we entered through the gates of the sacred grounds, a feeling of reverence washed over us as headstones representing thousands upon thousands who had sacrificed their lives for our freedoms stretched before us. With each step, it was impossible to not reflect upon the valor held within those graves. How many tears have been shed by loved ones over the husbands, wives, brothers, sisters, sons, and daughters buried within those 639 acres? I am forever thankful to live in a country that has been home to so many brave men and women.

Eventually we meandered our way towards the Tomb of the Unknown Solider, although Sam’s legs wore out after only the first few hills. In fairness, although paved and well cared for, it did require a significant amount of walking, especially since we didn’t opt to take the trolley tour.

Tomb of the Unknown Solider

“Here rests in honored glory an American Solider, Known but to God.”

• Since November 11, 1921, the Tomb has been a final resting place of an unidentified WW1 solider
• Over the years, unknowns from later wars were added, in addition to the remains of 2,111 Union and Confederate Soldiers
• The Army first began guarding the Tomb in 1926
• The white marble sarcophagus built over the Tomb was constructed in 1931
• Since April 6, 1948 the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier has been guarded by the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment, the oldest active-duty infantry unit in the Army
• On October 1, 2021, for the first time in the 84 years that the Tomb has been guarded, an all-female guard change occurred
• Arlington National Cemetery will commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier on November 11, 2021

Overlooking Washington D.C., the Tomb sits upon a tall hill almost directly in the middle of the cemetery. With the Changing of the Guard occurring every 30 minutes between April 1-September 30, it wasn’t long before the relief commander made the announcement and the ceremony began. On our feet and in complete silence we watched as the oncoming Tomb Sentinel relieved the Guard on duty in a series of precise movements and executions.

In a flawless uniform and in perfect military form, the Guard then marched 21 steps down the black mat, faced east for 21 seconds, turned and faced north for 21 seconds, and then took 21 steps down the mat. Next the Guard executed ”shoulder-arms”, placing her weapon on the shoulder closest to the crowd, signifying she stands between the Tomb and any potential threat. 21 steps. 21 seconds. Symbolic of the highest military honor, each ritual alludes to the 21-gun salute . (ArlingtonCemetery.mil)

With the morning wearing on and the rest of Washington D.C. still needing to be explored, we made our way out of Arlington, having been privileged to pay homage to our nation’s heroes.

Family Tips for Visiting Arlington National Cemetery

• Easily accessible by car with parking onsite ($2/hr) or take the metro (blue line)
• Open daily from 8am-7pm April 1-September 30, 8am-5pm October 1-March 31
• Price: Free
• Plan to spend a few hours at Arlington National Cemetery
• Covid Regulations: Masks must be worn indoors, regardless of vaccination status
• Drink Water. Water fountains were turned off when we were there, so bring your water bottles
• Wear comfortable shoes, it’s a lot of walking
• If bringing small kids or a wheelchair, the cemetery is very stroller/wheelchair friendly
• Changing of the Guard is every 1/2 hour from April 1-September 30, every hour on the hour October 1-March 31