Arlington Cemetery

Arlington Cemetery was across the river from the national mall...and we thought, sure we could ride our bikes over there...and Clay took us a different way then we went before so we could go somewhere different and also so we could pass by the Pentagon.  We were excited, as we passed the Pentagon we stopped and watched a helicopter land and take off!  Then, we continued on our way to Arlington...well it was hot and the way was LONG.  We had gone the longest possible way.  We finally made it to a bike share, and then started walking to the cemetery...which we couldn't find the entrance - so now not only had we biked forever we were now walking forever and we hadn't even stepped foot into the HUGE cemetery yet...oh we are getting our exercise today!!  We finally found an entrance - turned out to be a workers entrance, but they let us in anyway...thank goodness they didn't make us walk all the way around...that would have been death.  After Clay got patted down (high security everywhere...every national bldg or monument) we were in!!

There is a symbol on the tombstones that represented the individuals' faith. This was the symbol (Angel Moroni) for those of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.  It was a HOT gorgeous day. The grounds of the cemetery are beautiful and vast - Hill after hill of white tombstones with a view that overlooked Washington DC.  While we were enjoying the grounds a woman approached us and asked if we could help her find a specific tombstone; William (Bull) F. Halsey.  We searched and searched.  She ended up leaving to go find other help, but we were determined we used pictures on the internet as clues, and eventually Clayboy found him! 

We made our way to the center of the cemetery where  the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier rests.  This was a quiet, reverent spot... people spoke in whispers if they needed to speak at all.  Since 1937, the tomb has been guarded 24 hours a day 365 days a year...through rain, snow, hurricanes, heat, etc.