"And so my fellow Americans ask not what your country can do for you; ask what you can do for your country. My fellow citizens of the world, ask not what America will do for you but what together we can do for the freedom of man." - J.F.K.
photo: Arlington House
On Memorial Day, we visited the Arlington National Cemetery where over 290,000 servicemen and their family members rest on the 624 acres of Virginia land acros the Potomac River from the Lincoln Memorial. About every 24 burials are conducted every weekday....
As we alighted from the subway station, we were greeted with an overwhelming large crowd. Walking into the hallowed grounds, the welcome sign reads, "WELCOME TO ARLINGTON NATIONAL CEMETERY, OUR NATION MOST SACRED SHRINE - PLEASE CONDUCT YOURSELVES WITH DIGNITY AND RESPECT AT ALL TIMES".
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photo: The Kennedy Graves
"With a good conscience, our only sure reward with history the final judge of our deeds, let us go forth to lead the land we love asking his blessings and his help but knowing that here on earth God's works must truly be our own." - JFKArlington is a place of ritual and remembrance. A funeral
with full military honors is a dignified and moving occasion. All who are remembered here have this in common: service to their country. To each one, no matter what rank or station, whether decorated hero or unknown, belongs a place of honor.
with full military honors is a dignified and moving occasion. All who are remembered here have this in common: service to their country. To each one, no matter what rank or station, whether decorated hero or unknown, belongs a place of honor. ...
Because they answered their country's call, their stories will be remembered.
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Did you know: Long before Arlington was a cemetery, it was part of a 1,100-acre estate of George Washington Parke Custis, a grandchild (by marriage) of George Washington. Custis built Arlington House between 1802 and 1817. After his death, the property went to his daughter, Mary Anna Randolph Custis, who wed Robert E. Lee in 1831. The couple made Arlington House their home for the next 30 years.
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In 1861, Lee turned down the position of commander of the Union forces and left Arlington House, never to return. Union troops turned the house into the Army of the Potomac's HQ, and 200 acres were set aside as a national cemetery (source: Washington, D.C., 2008 - Fodor's).
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