Arlington National Cemetery

Here's where we're staying. Cheryl and I love all the brickwork in town. It reminds us of our years living in Georgia.

While we have many reasons for wanting to visit the Washington D.C. area one of my main ones was to visit Arlington National Cemetery. We got up late (by local standards) and jumped on the metro to go to this beautiful shrine. We were not alone. Even though the cemetery was packed it was peaceful and serene. We really had no idea how big it is.
In size it's only 640 acres but the rolling hills and beautiful trees makes it look and feel like it goes on forever.
This photo give you a small feel of how vast it is.
I didn't check to see how many people are buried here but the number goes up weekly. We saw several fresh grave sites as we walked around through the cemetery. We were surprised at how many wives and children are buried here.
This is the eternal flame that burns in front of John F. Kennedy's grave.
My main reason for wanting to visit Arlington National Cemetery was to see the Tomb of the Unknows (unknown soldiers). The tomb is guarded year around, 24 hours a day, by members of the 3rd Infantry (Old Guard). They are also responsible for guarding the President and other dignitaries in Washington D.C. We got to see the changing of the guard, a very formal ceremony that takes place every 30 minutes on summer days and hourly at night and in the winter.
I've darked the photo of the tomb a little so you can see the inscription on it.
While in the cemetery it seems as though you're miles from the city but this view is only about 50 feet from JFK's grave.

We spent the rest of the day walking around old town Alexandria and relaxing. Tomorrow we may head for the mall. THE MALL!