The ceremony at Arlington was incredibly moving. I have not been to this venerable cemetery since I was in my teens. It made an impression then, but it made more of an impression now.
I've included some photos of the afternoon. It's hard to express the beauty of this place. It feels like a sacred place. We spent some time here after the ceremony to meditate.
When the black riderless horse came by, with the boots turned backwards, it was hard to not cry. The symbol of the "fallen rider" was beyond words.
Old Arlington house and the lands around it were the plantation estate of Robert E. Lee. During the Civil War, the land was transformed from a plantation estate into an Army encampment, community for emancipated slaves and cemetery.
The property was confiscated by the federal government when property taxes levied against Arlington estate were not paid.
Arlington National Cemetery was established for use as a military cemetery. The intention was to render the house uninhabitable should the Lee family ever attempt to return. A stone and masonry burial vault in the rose garden, 20 feet wide and 10 feet deep, and containing the remains of 1,800 Bull Run casualties, was among the first monuments to Union dead erected.
Tomorrow, we head to Smith Island. I haven't had time to read blogs but am thinking of all my blogger friends.
I've been many time and it is a very solemn experience. There are signs at the entrance. They say: "Welcome to Arlington National Cemetery ... Our Nation's Most Sacred Shrine. Please Conduct Yourself with Dignity and Respect at All Times. Please Remember These Are Hallowed Grounds."
ReplyDeleteThank you for this.
ReplyDeletebeautiful pictures and great description!
ReplyDeleteOne cannot help but be deeply touched at Arlington. I knew someone who guarded at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. When asked if that was a boring job, he replied it was the noblest thing he would ever do in his life.
ReplyDeleteThat's amazing how places have a feel to them. I remember feeling that when I went to Lexington, Mass to the battleground. Even with car traffic around the square, you could feel it in your soul, it was moving. Our bodies know.
ReplyDeletethanks. lovely
ReplyDeletearlington sounds impressive. the piccies prove it too. have a good trip.
ReplyDeleteI have never been to Arlington. It must be an unbelievable feeling. Enjoyed your post and the pictures.
ReplyDeleteReally enjoyed your photos and thoughts re: Arlington Cemetery. Have a great vacation.
ReplyDeleteThanks the little history lesson in there Syd. I have wanted to visit there and hope to someday soon.
ReplyDeleteIt all is rather overwhelming, isn't it?
ReplyDeleteI was born and raised in Arlington, Arlington Hospital to be exact. On a lighter note, if per chance you can, you must go to either Mario's for pizza by the slice or Hard Time's Cafe both right there off of Wilson Blvd. Both are notable. Mario's has the best subs and you drive-up and order and can only eat outside or in your car, quick and easy. Hard Times Cafe has the best Texas Style Chili known to man, well short of going to Texas. Enjoy!
I have not been there since the Kennedy Administration. I was young, but it made a lifelong impression. (like I was MINUS several years old, right?)
ReplyDeleteIt is a beautiful place.
ReplyDeleteWhen I ended my 22,000 mile ride for Peace, I was joined by 3 guys. I told them I wanted to ride around Arlington Cemetery before ending at the White House. As we sat looking over at the cemetery, one of the men turned to me and said that he had several generations buried in there. It was an honor that this man, with generations of fathers fighting in wars came out to ride for Peace with me.