Thursday, November 3, 2016

20161103: Into DC Area

We had a leisurely start today, driving from Pennsylvania through Maryland and into Washington DC. We were in Virginia for literally 1 minute and then back to DC.  We arrived at Arlington National Cemetery at noon.  Unlike all the other places we have visited, Arlington has NO tourist eateries - not even vending machines. It was 75 degrees plus, overcast and muggy. It sprinkled a couple of times in the time we were there. We took a hop on hop off bus tour so we could hear the history. We got off first at the Kennedy Memorial with the eternal flame. It was very nice.

It was wonderful watching a changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknowns. The timing and precision of their movements is incredible. There was also a ceremony where a wreath was presented from a middle school group. So good to see young people honoring people who have given so much for our country. It was good for all of us as well.

There are so many sections to the cemetery including "colored" people who fought in the civil war, and a nurses area.

Two family members can be buried there also so there were quite a few wives. Many monuments such as for space shuttle Challenger, a couple horses, and the Iwo Jima monument (The United States Marine Corps War Memorial) which is actually outside Arlington National Cemetery.

Robert E. Lee had a mansion there and it has quite a history. It is a little confusing but interesting. Because it is late in the season there were no tours and we could only walk through the bottom floor of the mansion.

Arlington is the only National Cemetery run by the Army, all others are operated by the Veterans Administration.  Very Informative and gave time to reflect and be thankful for those that have served our nation to preserve life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

By the time we finished we were quite hungry so navigated to a Mexican restaurant.  It was closed so went to a bistro. Not what we were expecting and ended up ordering 3 appetizers. Different but good food.

Then on to our motel.



Changing of the Guard at the Tomb of the Unknowns 

The United States Marine Corps War Memorial 
The United States Marine Corp