A Memorial Day at Arlington National Cemetery can be remarkable for you. On the last Monday in May, Memorial Day was observed. This year, Memorial Day will be celebrated on May 30th. The holiday of Memorial Day is dedicated to military personnel who died in service for the United States. Since its inception in 1868, Arlington National Cemetery has been the final resting place for many of our brave men and women.
On Memorial Day, the cemetery will be open to the public from 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. There will be a wreath-laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at 11:00 a.m., and the National Moment of Remembrance will take place at 3:00 p.m.
On Memorial Day and Veterans Day, the Memorial Amphitheater at Arlington National Cemetery is the site of two major yearly honors. The ceremony is sponsored by the United States Army Military District of Washington, which has 5 thousand visitors each year! Visitors are encouraged to take the time to stroll through the cemetery and reflect on the sacrifices made by our fallen heroes.
Facts about Arlington National Cemetery:
Arlington National Cemetery is one of the most moving, memorable sights for visitors to this area. It’s a place where active-duty service members and veterans can be buried in an American tradition that dates back almost 200 years ago – making them part-tenths of our history. Some of the most notable features at Arlington National Cemetery include:
- The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier was initially dedicated in 1921 to honor soldiers who had died in World War I.
- The Custis-Lee Mansion, also known as Arlington House, was built in 1802. This mansion sits atop a hill and overlooks the Potomac River and Washington, D.C.
- The John F. Kennedy Eternal Flame was lit in 1963 to honor our 35th president, who was assassinated just a few months earlier.
- Private William Christman was the first military burial at Arlington National Cemetery in 1864. His actions during the war earned him a respectful funeral with full honors—a true American hero!
- Arlington National Cemetery is located in Arlington, Virginia, just across the Potomac River from Washington, D.C. The cemetery is operated by the Department of the Army and includes more than 400,000 burial plots.
- The cemetery covers 624 acres and is the final resting place for more than 400,000 active duty service members, veterans, and families.
- Since its inception in 1864, Arlington National Cemetery has been the site of many important historical events, including more than 3,000 burials during the Civil War and President John F. Kennedy’s funeral in 1963.
- Numerous memorials and monuments are on display throughout Arlington National Cemetery, each commemorating a different aspect of America’s military history.
- Visitors to Arlington National Cemetery can take a free shuttle bus tour of the grounds or explore the cemetery on foot or by bicycle.
- The first free neighborhood in Arlington was once known as Freedman’s Village. Almost 4,000 formerly enslaved people are buried there that helped build this country and make it what it is today!
On Memorial Day, a flag is placed on every tombstone and monument to commemorate those who have died in service. We also honor them with wreaths instead of flags during the holiday season so that their memory will live on forever as we remember what they gave us all their lives.
Frequently Asked Questions(FAQ)
Who Is Buried At Arlington National Cemetery?
Arlington National Cemetery is the final resting place of more than 400,000 active duty service members, veterans, and families. It is also home to several important historical monuments and memorials commemorating all aspects of America’s military history.
The dignity and honor shown to veterans is a reminder of the service, sacrifice & courage that those who defend our country have put forth. Active duty military members and retired officers can also receive this award which celebrates their courage under fire or during other high-pressure situations where they were instrumental in protecting freedom for all Americans abroad.
Are Funerals Still Conducted At Arlington National Cemetery?
Yes, funerals are still conducted at Arlington National Cemetery daily. The cemetery is operated by the Department of the Army and provides burial services for active duty service members, veterans, and their families.
It is sad to see the flags flying at half-mast and hear rifle volleys in the distance. However, the only sound you can make out while walking through this cemetery is bugle calls – which seem more haunting than ever when played by a lone trumpeter on his instrument.
Despite the sadness and grief felt by those who attend funerals at Arlington National Cemetery, this sacred space also inspires a sense of profound pride in our nation’s military history. Every grave marker represents an individual who made the ultimate sacrifice for their country and all that we stand for as Americans. For this reason, it is truly one of the most hallowed places in our nation.
Are The Flags Always At Half-Staff In The Cemetery?
No, the flags at Arlington National Cemetery are not always at half-staff. They are lowered to half-staff on designated days of remembrance and honor, such as Memorial Day and Veterans Day.
On these days, visitors to the cemetery can also see wreaths placed at the base of each tombstone as a symbol of love and respect for those who have died in service to our country. The other impressive sight present at this historic military venue is its two enormous standard-sized oak trees located on either side from where they overlook all proceedings below. These provide an unmatched atmosphere during any occasion or event, making it perfect for funerals and other important military & government-related activities.
What Is The Tomb Of The Unknown Soldier?
The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is one of the most visited monuments at Arlington National Cemetery. It is a monument dedicated to all American service members who have died without identifying their bodies. The tomb is guarded 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, by elite military soldiers known as the Tomb Guards. These highly trained and skilled soldiers perform elaborate rituals and ceremonies to honor the fallen heroes laid to rest at this sacred site. The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is one of the most solemn and moving sights at Arlington National Cemetery and stands as a powerful symbol of all the brave men and women who have sacrificed their lives in defense of our country.
What Is The Eternal Flame?
The eternal flame is a burning torch kept lit in memory of President John F. Kennedy. The flame is located at the gravesite of President Kennedy and his wife, Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, and is guarded by a military honor guard 24 hours a day. The eternal flame is regarded as one of the holiest places at Arlington National Cemetery, and it’s a powerful symbol of the United States’ unwavering gratitude and respect for President Kennedy and all those who have sacrificed their lives in service to our country.
Wrapping Up
Arlington National Cemetery is a sad and sacred place steeped in history and tradition. This hallowed ground is the final resting place for many of America’s bravest heroes, and it is also a place of great pride for all Americans. If you ever have the chance to visit Arlington National Cemetery, be sure to take some time to pay your respects at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, visit President Kennedy’s gravesite, and reflect on the incredible sacrifices that have been made in the name of our country. This is truly one of our nation’s most sacred places.
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