Walking through Arlington National Cemetery is a well-known military cemetery that is consider as profound encounter with the soul of a nation. It is a famous military cemetery where many American soldiers and important national leaders are buried in the Arlington House. This was built to commemorate his sacrifice and bravery where we see the stories of countless men and women. According to American civil war time, this cemetery was started in 1864 and has approx 400,000 tombs of soldiers.

This popular arlington national cemetery located in Arlington, Virginia, near Washington D.C. This place is very important, because we give some respect and remember the sacrifice of America’s soldiers. In this cemetery, many famous people are buried including John F. Kennedy and also an unknown soldier who is dedicated to unidentified fallen soldiers. At Arlington National Cemetery, every year, special ceremonies such as Memorial Day and Veterans Day are held where people gather to pay their respects and place flowers on graves.

History of Arlington National Cemetery

Arlington National Cemetery is the most popular military cemetery which was established during the American civil war, 1861-1865. At that time, many soldiers were martyred and no more spaces for burial near Washington, D.C. That’s why the government decided to make a big cemetery for soldiers. There is a cemetery there, it is a big connection to Robert E.Lee. There lives the Robert Lee family, because Lee is a general in the Confederate Army during the civil war time(who fought on the southern side).

Lee dropped out of the U.S Army and he supported the south Army during World War II. After some time the U.S army occupied his property. Because he can’t come again, and then it started to bury the soldiers around his house. And then its house was converted into Arlington Cemetery.

The Military Cemetery was officially declared in 1864. Here are only civil war soldiers. After some time that place was used for national heroes of the U.S. At that time, it was a famous American Military Cemetery. The first time it was used for civil war soldiers. After some time of wars like world war I, II, vietnam war and many wars there soldiers are buried in Arlington Cemetery. That’s why there are 400,000 military members and their family members buried in the Arlington National Cemetery. It is the symbol of American history and its respect.

Notable Monuments and Memorials of Arlington National Cemetery

If you’re visiting this cemetery for the first time at this cemetery so there you have so many memorials and monuments to explore. so for making your tour easier, we provide you with some of the notable monuments and memorials that are given below.

Tomb of the Unknown Soldier: This is the most iconic monument that is an honour to the unidentified soldier who give the services in the wars of the 20th century.
John F. Kennedy Eternal Flame: This stunning flame marks the gravesite of John F. Kennedy who is 35th president of the United States.
USS Maine Mast Memorial: This is also another famous memorial at Arlington National Cemetery that honors to the sailors who died when the battleship.
Arlington House (Robert E. Lee Memorial): Today the home of Robert E. Lee serves as a historic museum and offers one of the best panoramic views of Washington, D.C.

Notable Burials in Arlington

Arlington National Cemetery is located in Virginia, USA. Here are the American presidents, judges and national heroes. It is a symbol of national respect and honor.

John F. Kennedy ( Eternal Flame)

John is the 35th president of America. His assassination doing in 1963. An “eternal flame” burns on his grave. This flame is a symbol of his legacy.

William Howard Taft

Howard is the 27th president of America. Then he is a chief justice of the U.S. Supreme Court. He is the only person who was both President and Chief Justice.

Thurgood Marshall

Marshall is the first Supreme Court Justice of African American history. His works for civil rights. He is a symbol of equality and justice.

Military Heroes & Medal of Honor Recipients

Here are many buried military heroes. “Medal of Honor” is a big military award according to America. This award takes which soldiers, who present bravery in the battlefield.

Burial Eligibility and Honors

Who Can Be Buried at Arlington?

It is not a normal public cemetery. If eligible, the special person only.

Active U.S. Armed force members.
Retired military personnel
Medal of Honor and other high military award winners
War veterans
President and high government officials
Military members and Dependent children

Not eligible for Dishonorable discharge.

Military Honors & Traditions

Burial time gives the special military respect. Which is.

Present the Honor Guard.
“Taps” play on burial.
Put the U.S. American flag on coffin.
Gives the 21-gun salute (for special high post).
Then gives the flag to his family.

These things are done to honor his respect and sacrifice.

Application & Requirements

Follow this process:

First of all, check eligibility.
Required some documents which is :
- DD Form 214 (military discharge paper)
- Death certificate
You can inform the Cemetery office
It gives you Approval, then it schedules the burial date.

Direct walk-in not possible.

How to Visit Arlington National Cemetery?

Location & How to Get There

We suggest you always choose a metro transportation for visiting here because it is one of the easiest ways. You Blue Metro Line to Arlington Cemetery Station (most convenient). Then you are coming by your own car. So, there is paid parking available at the Welcome Center. We suggest it’s nearest From Lincoln Memorial, it’s about a 30-minute walk across the Memorial Bridge.

Hours & Entrance Information

It’s open daily, but its timing will be changed according to the months which is April to September, it’s open only 8 a.m to 7 p.m. And October to March, it’s open 8 a.m to 5 p.m.

Entry Fee: Its Free

Main entrance at the Welcome Center.

Tours & Maps

Free maps are available at the entrance.

Tram Tours: Paid hop-on, hop-off tour inside the cemetery. There are many major sites which are : Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and John F. Kennedy Gravesite (Eternal Flame). Guided walking tours are also available.

Perfect Time to Visit

You can visit in spring, which is April to June.And Fall which starts in September to October. These months the weather is clear and with amazing views. If you need peace and clearly see the Cemetery. So, we suggest you can come early in the morning to avoid the crowds. This place is very special on U.S memorial day and Veterans day, that time is very crowded.

Some Tips & Rules for Visitor

Dress : Wear comfortable shoes (a lot of walking).
Etiquette : it’s an active military cemetery.Be respectful and quiet behavior is expected.
Restrictions : No pets ( only allowed service animals), no food and no running.
Photography allowed, but respectfully.

Ceremonies and Events

Memorial Day Services

Every year it is celebrated on the last Monday in May ( only in the USA).
That day, we remembered the soldiers who sacrificed his lives for the country.
People go to the cemetery and offer flowers on their graves.
They do special prayers, speeches and flag ceremonies.

For example : That day, the United States celebrated very respectfully. Its main focus is to remember the martyrs.

Veterans Day Observances

Every year Veterans Day is celebrated on 11 November ( USA).
On this day, all veterans (who have served in the Army, alive or retired) are given respect.
They do parades, speeches and award ceremonies.
And then, many people said thank you to the veterans.

Mainly focus on respecting all veterans’ armies.

Wreath-Laying Ceremonies

Wreaths are put in the memorial and statue.
It is the symbol of respect and tribute.

For example: Many leaders remembering the martyrs, and offering the wreath in the India Gate.

Conclusion

In the end, this cemetery was made for valiant soldiers who made the sacrifice of their lives for their country. This cemetery show us the sacrifices of almost 40000 soldiers. Every year there are so many people who visit to honor those who gave their lives for the country. We suggest you visit this place once in your lifetime and experience the bravery to protect their country and its people. This cemetery hosts various annual events for these soldiers, such as memorial day and veterans day to remember the soldiers.