With the remnants of hurricane Ian headed this way, we decided to go to Arlington National Cemetery before the rains arrived. We bought tour tickets and rode the tram up to John F Kennedy’s grave and the eternal flame. Next, we jumped back on the tram up to the memorial amphitheater and the Tomb of the Unknow Soldiers. We stayed and watched the changing of the guard ceremony. As they were completing the changeover, we could hear guns from a 21-gun salute firing in the distance for one of the 24 funerals (they can handle up to 30 per day) that were happening today. The cemetery holds the remains of over 400,000 service members and some spouses. Its an overwhelming feeling walking amongst these hallowed graves. We next went to the Arlington House and toured Robert E Lee’s plantation home prior to the Civil War. It was interesting to see the contrast between Arlington House and Mount Vernon. We got on the tram and took the rest of the tour before being dropped off at the visitor center just as the rain started. We then drove around to the Air Force Memorial and the Marine Memorial before heading back to the Wanderer before the heavy rain arrives.
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| John Kennedy's Memorial and the eternal flame |
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| John Kennedy Memorial with Arlington House in the background |
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| Graves lined up |
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| Arlington Amphitheater |
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| Tomb of the Unknown Soldier |
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| Entrance sign |
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| View from Arlington House |
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| Arlington House |
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| Washington Monument from Arlington House |
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| Lincoln Memorial from Arlington House |
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| Air Force Memorial |
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