It was only about a 15 minute drive to Arlington and we had no problems parking. We went into the main visitors center and got us a map and tickets to the tram that takes you all around the cemetery and they tell you interesting facts about the cemetery.
This place was a lot bigger then I thought it was going to be. I have seen pictures but that only gives you one small glance at exactly how big this cemetery is. They told us that they had 25 funerals set up for just the day we were there and they have 25-30 funerals a day five days a week. That was just shocking to me. So they did warn us that some tours may be delayed or rerouted because of funerals. It is sobering to think about that many funerals a day.
I was shocked to learn that there are more then 400,000 people buried in this cemetery. All active duty service members, veterans and their families. They told us that the service member, their spouse, and one child can be buried here. They do have to be someone who has a pretty high rank or someone who dies while protecting our country (I think).
We found the tram and got our sweet seats and waited for our journey to begin. The weather was perfect. It was warm and sunny and a little humid.
We didn't get off the tram at every stop. Many of the stops we weren't familiar with the history so it didn't interest us much. Next time we go we will have to check out the history before we go.
Our first and main stop was at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. I really wanted to see this monument and to see the Changing of the Guard. I have heard about this and wanted to witness this in person.
On one side of the street are many graves and even Space Shuttle Memorials. Their were three big stones that had the names and faces of the people who died on each of the space shuttle missions. It was really cool to see that for them. Never to be forgotten.
On the other side of the street is a really big structure with huge pillars and steps that go up into a large auditorium with a stage at the front. Many seats all around the room and what looks like box seats in the back. It was amazing to see how well made this was.
I asked one of the workers if they ever use this for anything anymore and he says that they have ceremony's there for different things, like Memorial Day.
Around the other side of this big area are more steps that go down to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Their is a guard there marching around in a very specific manner all day everyday no matter then weather or time of year.
When we got there they were doing a ceremony with some high school kids for people who have died. They walked down the steps with the soldier and gave a flower wreath to another soldier to display. After that another different soldier plays the Taps on the trumpet for that person. It was such a neat experience to witness. They did this two times with two different groups of teens. What an awesome experience for them to be personally involved. Lucky kids.
After the ceremony was completed we waited for the Changing of the Guard. It happens every half of an hour during the busy months. It was very impressive to watch the soldier march around in a very specific manner. How many steps he took, how he took those steps, how he moved his arms, how he moved his gun all done perfectly and precisely. Then when the next soldier came to switch places that was all done very precisely as well. The soldier in charge came and looked over the soldier coming to replace and everything had to be just perfect on him to be able to replace the current soldier.
We were told that this is a very coveted spot for these soldiers and only top performing and ranking Army soldiers get to do it. It was a beautiful site and amazing to see in person.
After that awesome experience we got back on the tram to see some more of the cemetery. After going all the way around the cemetery we decided to go check out their visitors center some more and the gift shop.
After buying a couple things we then decided to drive to the U.S. Marine Corps War Memorial on our way out. We could have walked there from where we were but we were done at the cemetery so it was on our way.
The Marine memorial (Iwo Jima Memorial) was so much bigger in person then I thought it was going to be. I have seen pictures, but it did it no justice. This memorial is outside the gates of the cemetery and is surrounded by lots of grass and on a beautiful piece of land. Another very sobering site to witness in person and to really feel the dedication of those Marines working to put up our flag for our freedom's. Man we live in an awesome country.
After that we drove around to see some of the other memorials before we walked around them the next day. Then we decided we were tired and hungry so it was back to the hotel for some dinner and then a good nights sleep. It was a super long day but it was so much fun to be in D.C. and to go around Arlington.
After we checked out of our hotel in Alexandria we made our way down to Chesapeake. It took us about three and a half hours. It rained for a good part of the morning. It made us glad that we were not walking around D.C. in the rain.
We made plans to eat lunch with Wendy after we got to her house. We got there at around noon. We then chatted a little while before we got in her car to go pick up Benje from school. He was so excited to see us, but especially Tony. He love his Uncle Tony.
We first went into the building where the rescue swimmers and airmen who are stationed at Elizabeth City hang out and they were all really nice. This is where we met up with the Chief over that station and he was the one who took us out to see the helicopters and airplanes.
We first went to the helicopters and saw all the cool things inside of them. Benje got to sit in the seats and and even be the pilot. After that we went into the airplane hanger and saw a really big airplane. We got to go inside and see the cargo area and then I even got to sit in the pilot seat.
