Taps

Sunday, June 3rd Sunday, we woke up and headed to Arlington National Cemetery. This was probably what I wanted to see the most. Ever since 5th grade, when I first learned about the Civil War, I have wanted to go to Arlington. I was not Disappointed! I LOVED Arlington. We started out in the visitor center, then made our way up the cemetery paths (and yes, I mean up, Arlington is NOT flat, it is a series of Hills) We First saw President John F. Kennedy's grave, along with his wife, and their two small children. President Kennedy's tomb is cool for two reasons, there is a wall with quotes from him, that have a Great picture moment with the Washington Monument, and he has the "eternal flame" It was really awesome to see (It was also cool to see, since we have been to Dallas to see where he was Shot and killed- then to see his final resting place) We also saw other members of the Kennedy family, like Robert F. Kennedy on our way up to the Tomb of the Unknowns. (If you have never been to Arlington, then this is a MUST see) When we arrived at the tomb, I immediately became emotional. There is a guard there 24/7 and has been since 1930. I wanted to add some interesting facts about this amazing site so you can get an idea of how amazing this place really is. Q: How many steps does the guard take during his walk across the tomb of the Unknowns and why? A: 21 steps. It alludes to the twenty-one gun salute, which is the highest honor given any military or foreign dignitary. Q: How long does he hesitate after his about face to begin his return walk and why? A: 21 seconds, for the same reason as answer number 1. Q: Why are his gloves wet? A: His gloves are moistened to prevent his losing his grip on the rifle. Q: Does he carry his rifle on the same shoulder all the time, and if not, why not? A: No, he carries the rifle on the shoulder away from the tomb. After his march across the path, he executes an about face and moves the rifle to the outside shoulder. Q: How often are the guards changed? A: Guards are changed every thirty minutes, twenty-four hours a day, 365 days a year. They must commit 2 years of life to guard the tomb, live in a barracks under the tomb, and cannot drink any alcohol on or off duty FOR THE REST OF THEIR LIVES. They cannot swear in public FOR THE REST OF THEIR LIVES and cannot disgrace the uniform {fighting} or the tomb in any way. After TWO YEARS, the guard is given a wreath pin that is worn on their lapel signifying they served as guard of the tomb. There are only 400 presently worn. The guard must obey these rules for the rest of their lives or give up the wreath pin. The shoes are specially made with very thick soles to keep the heat and cold from their feet. There are metal heel plates that extend to the top of the shoe in order to make the loud click as they come to a halt. There are no wrinkles, folds or lint on the uniform. Guards dress for duty in front of a full-length mirror. The first SIX MONTHS of duty a guard cannot talk to anyone, nor watch TV. All off duty time is spent studying the 175 notable people laid to rest in Arlington National Cemetery. A guard must memorize who they are and where they are interred. Among the notables are: President Taft, Joe E. Lewis {the boxer} and Medal of Honor winner Audie Murphy, {the most decorated soldier of WWII} of Hollywood fame. Every guard spends FIVE HOURS A DAY getting his uniforms ready for guard duty. The Sentinels Creed: My dedication to this sacred duty is total and wholehearted. In the responsibility bestowed on me never will I falter. And with dignity and perseverance my standard will remain perfection. Through the years of diligence and praise and the discomfort of the elements, I will walk my tour in humble reverence to the best of my ability. It is he who commands the respect I protect. His bravery that made us so proud. Surrounded by well meaning crowds by day alone in the thoughtful peace of night, this soldier will in honored glory rest under my eternal vigilance. It is considered one of the highest honors to serve as a Sentinel at the Tomb of the Unknowns. Fewer than 20 percent of all volunteers are accepted for training and of those only a fraction pass training to become full-fledged Tomb Guards. This attrition rate has made the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier Identification Badge the second least-awarded decoration of the United States Military (the first being the Army Astronaut Badge, no longer being issued). "HERE RESTS IN HONORED GLORY AN AMERICAN SOLDIER KNOWN BUT TO GOD"- Inscription on the tomb of the unknowns We were able to see the changing of the guard, as well as a wreath ceremony which included a BEAUTIFUL rendition of taps played on a bugle by a guard. I bawled the WHOLE time! After the tomb of the unknowns, we went into a little museum with military medals, and then headed to the Tomb of the Unknowns amphitheater. After that, we headed back to the visitor center. There is a lot more to see at Arlington, but when you are walking all the hills, its hot and humid, and you are 6 months pregnant, you get uncomfortable pretty fast. On our way down, we were able to see a grave with the last name Carter (We made it a game of sorts trying to find one.) Arlington is such an amazing, sacred place. It really puts into prospective the sacrifice American Soldiers have made, and continue to make to make this country what it is today. Graves going up Robert E. Lee's Home President John F. Kennedy Robert F. Kennedy Sign More Graves Tomb of the Unknowns Museum Amphitheater More Graves on the way down Our next stop was a Smithsonian. We went to his American History museum. I had NO idea how big this place was. (And after Arlington, my body was so achy) but it was cool to see some of the exhibits, we missed one or two, but in our 3+ hours here, I think we saw a good part of it. Outside the American History Museum Dumbo Wizard of Oz (Scarecrows shoes and Hat, and Dorthy's Ruby Slippers from the movie) Pop Culture (First Kermit puppit, Original Superman costume worn by George Reeves, Harry Potter uniform from year 1) Sports (autographed baseball by lue Garage, Babe Ruth, Signed Ali Boxing Gloves) Presidents Truman Inauguration outfit Clinton's briefcase, also known as "The football" Eisenhower's uniform Nixon's uniform Teddy Roosevelt's Chaps Grace Cooledge's Dress Harding's silk pajamas Chess board belonging to John Quincy Adams Lincoln's top hat he wore when he was assassinated, and the flag that flew on the funeral train Washington's Camp equipment Andrew Jackson's uniform Civil War Other Random Things (Pieces of the Berlin wall, Sun stone from the Navoo temple, Commemorative plate from Navoo, Apple II computer) After the Smithsonian, we stopped at a street vendor to get a snack. This was my firs street vendor EVER, I got a hot dog, and it was pretty Good! After a much needed snack, we went across the street to the Archives and saw the Decoration of Independence. Cameras were not allowed, so all we have is a picture of the outside. Our final stop for the day was T.C. Williams High School. This is the home of the Titans. (From the Disney movie Remember the Titans- One of our favorite movies. We just happened to stumble across the school in the morning, and decided to stop on our way back. It is in Alexandria Virginia, about 10 minutes from our Hotel)