Arlington Cemetery, 150 Years
Visitors entrance to Arlington Cemetery.
STARTING MAY 2014, ARLINGTON NATIONAL CEMETERY WILL HOST A SERIES OF EVENTS TO COMMEMORATE THE 150TH ANNIVERSARY OF ITS EXISTENCE.
DURING MAY AND JUNE, VARIOUS CEREMONIES WILL TAKE PLACE. THE TWO MONTH SPAN IS TO EMPHASIZE, FIRST- THE BURIAL OF THE FIRST SOLDIER ON 13 MAY 1864, UNION PVT. WILLIAM HENRY CHRISTMAN.
Union Pvt. William Henry Christman
SECOND, IT WAS OFFICIALLY DECLARED A MILITARY CEMETERY ON 15 JUNE 1864. ARLINGTON WILL CLOSE THEIR CEREMONIES AT THE TOMB OF THE UNKNOWN SOLDIER.
Tomb of the Unknown Soldier
MAY THEY ALL REST IN PEACE.
Click on images to enlarge.
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Farewell Salutes –
Michael Adamson – Lebanon, PA; US Army, MSgt. (Ret. 20 years)
John Altieri – Naples, FL; US Army, 2nd Lt.
Curtis Cooper – Mountain Home, AR; US Air Force, Vietnam & Desert Storm
Silda Covington – Rexburg, ID; WAVES, WWII
Charles Helvey – Sheridan, WY; US Army Air Corps, WWII, ETO, waist gunner B-17s
John Whitehead Hunter – Devonport, NZ; RNZ Navy # D15528
Kenneth Lee – Lake Placid, FL; US Army, WWII, Cpl
David Savage – Anchorage, AK; US Army, Colonel (Ret.), WWII & Korea
Mabel “Doreen” Tunney – Toronto, Can; RC Air Force, WWII
James Vaught – Myrtle Beach, SC; US Army, Korea, 187th RCT
Taylor Young – Duquesne, PA; US Army, WWII, 472nd Artillery
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Posted on May 24, 2014, in Korean War, Uncategorized, Vietnam, WWII and tagged Army, family history, History, Marines, Memorial Day, Military, Military History, Navy, veterans, WWII. Bookmark the permalink. 89 Comments.
Pacific Paratrooper 
Utterly amazing the training and duty that the guards of the tomb do. I recently watched a video about the rigors of that particular duty and I learned so much. I think they must have a lot of patience to be able to coordinate the perfection of the uniforms and their precise movements while standing guard. I’d go nuts were it my job!
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I agree, Morguie! That kind of accurate precision is beyond my abilities, like when you see the Honor Guards perform – WOW!
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One hundred and fifty years. I visited once – it’s such a sobering place.
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It is at that! Thank you stopping in to Remember.
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gpcox, What a tribute again! Your posts are the “tops”! Thanks for the “Like” for “1912, The Movie” on my “excuseusforliving.com Phil
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Thank you – and once again – my pleasure.
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I appreciate learning from you. =)
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If I miss anything or you don’t understand something – all you need to do is ask. [“The only stupid questions are the ones NOT-asked.]
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What a wonderful way to say thank you to our soldiers. Trace Adkins ‘Arlington’ remains one of my favorite songs.
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And as it should be! But how come you don’t hear Lee Greenwood’s “Proud to be an American” very often? Maybe I’ll use a link for that – next holiday? What do you think, Jacqui?
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I’ve been to Arlington Cemetery twice and a sprinkling of WW1 CWGC cemeteries – all solemnly beautiful and peaceful places. The last Arlington visit was a few months ago (during the ‘shutdown’ and we almost didn’t make it due to conflicting information about whether the Cemetery was actually open) but I’m not sure I had registered that this big milestone was approaching.
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After what happened before – I don’t think the government would dare to even try to close Arlington! Thank you for taking the time out of your day to comment here, your visit shows the veterans that you care.
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Have visited The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and watched the changing of the guard. I am constantly amazed at the rigorous restrictions places on the guards there, yet they continue to honor the fallen. Blessings to all those who serve or have served in the military.
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So many have seen the ceremony, but not everyone truly understands the meaning the behind it – thank you for your sentiments, Bev. You’re one of the few.
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One hundred and fifty years… that’s quite a legacy. Thank you, GP, for pointing it out.
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My pleasure, Judy. I know if anyone, you understand the emotion behind this cemetery.
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If ever I get the chance I will go, humbly and gratefully. Thank you.
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You will be glad you did, Colleen – believe me! It is quite the experience, it makes the rest of D.C. seem like only window dressing.
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I think DC would only be on my to do list because of Arlington. If I ever get there, I will let you know.
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More than that, Colleen! I want to see pictures if you get there! You better be ready for the emotion involved too – a magnificent place.
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You can count on it. 🙂 I get teary eyes just looking at everyone else’s pictures.
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Thank you for this. My brother is buried here.
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Along with his fellows in arms – so sad to hear this. Hopefully you will hold only the happy memories throughout your years.
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I’ve been to Arlington so many times, and it never fails to move me. I’m living 4000 miles away from it now, and I still feel the same emotion from your words and photos. Thank you for those memories, and the reminder of the importance of this place and time.
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Thank you VERY much for your comment and taking the time to share your feelings, Cindi. This has been an emotional month.
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Thanks for that info on your countrys most reverered Arlington cemetery.
Ian
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Oh more than my pleasure, Ian. It’s an honor.
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No respect when folks have to be reminded to treat out heroes with the dignity and respect they deserve.
I hope more parents are educating their children to the real meaning if this week end and not just an extra day off of work and school.
My husband- SP 4 TimD-Disabled Nam Vet-United States Army-1970-1973, and 1977 to 1979-salutes you and all Vets-active, non active, living and dead.
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You comments are well said and very true! Please shake your husband’s hand for me and thank him from the bottom of my heart for his service and convictions! I have problems even thinking about Nam, thank God he returned!
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I haven’t yet been to Arlington, though may get there some day.
This is a beautiful testament and salute to those that have given their lives – historically rich.
The times I visit your blog I always pick up something (historically) that I never knew.
Thanks for sharing.
ML
x
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My pleasure, Miss Lou. I hope you’ll come by more often.
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Although I understand gpcox why they called it the Tomb of the unknown Solder, we give thanks that each one of those who died defending us was known not just by name but was fully known by their Creator, each one counted, they were important and we rejoice that many will be united with their loved ones one day.
Thank you for your heart respect for them gpcox
Christian Love from both of us – Anne
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Thank you for those kind words, Anne. I knew you would feel that way.
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A really powerful post, well said and well done. I’ve been offline all week and it will take days to catch up here. Any news from Sheri?
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She’s in a room across the hall from Tom. Finishing up an anthology and having a meeting to put the volunteer program into other VA hospitals. She left a long comment on the previous post (U.S. National Maritime Day) if you care to see her up date. I’ll be emailing her again, probably tomorrow for more news.
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Closing their ceremonies at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier?? I can’t believe that! Oh, my…
But hallowed ground it is. I am glad a certain elected official decided not to step on those grounds that day and instead went to his precious Chicago.
Oops. Didn’t mean to get political. Let us honor the fallen. Although he was not KIA, I am headed to see Old Man Jack. I will think of Smitty and many others I did not meet.
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Chicago can have him!! Oops, I joined you in a political rant, pardon me.
While you’re there say HI to Jack for me too and please wave off for my Uncle Jim, also buried at Riverside, thanks, Koji.
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I realize your preferences but can you contact me directly about Riverside? ♡
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It’s no secret, Koji. I even posted my uncle’s grave site on his posts, that now James Joseph O’Leary resides at Plot 2 1268, Riverside National Cemetery. My father and son are buried here in Florida. I hope you have your supply of puffs for Memorial Day, I bought an extra box.
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Thank you. I am going this morning… I will place a flag at his resting place and say a prayer in my own way for him and your family…
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Words escape me, Koji. This is one of the most thoughtful things anyone has ever done for me. It is great to have loyal, upstanding friends! Thank you so very much!
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It was an honor to visit with your family, gpcox. The Boy Scouts planted over 200,000 of the larger flags throughout the grounds. Very moving… Said a prayer from you, Smitty and me… https://www.flickr.com/gp/p47koji/z55680
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It has taken me awhile to stop…well, you know what happened when I saw the photo.
I’ve tried to upload, copy and print the pix but as yet I’ve been having no luck – any suggestions? (I hate to ask any more from you)
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I used my digital camera to take a photo off the computer screen and added it into the post. It can use cropping, but will take care of that later, wanted to get it in as soon as possible – Thank you so much again! I sure do owe you one, friend!
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Please never think you owe anything, gpcox. We owe everything to those who served. I did post a story about Riverside; you should be able to download a full rez image! If not, please let me know.
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Yes, the pix worked. My dear friend – you have NO idea how much I owe you.
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As they say here in LA, nada. 🙂
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I’ve been to Arlington three times. Sometimes the number visitors and crowds, even though most are respectful, can be a distraction.
The most meaningful memory I have of the Cemetery is the time I went on a cold snowy December day. It was the middle of the week and I was in DC for a conference. Somehow I ended up with an afternoon off and took the tourmobile around to all the major monuments. Entering Arlington, it was just me, the driver and the tour guide when we stopped at the tomb of the unknown.
Some how I managed to get there right at the changing of the guard. I was the only spectator – the only civilian in the stands. Still the guard follow their ritual flawlessly. I had some very good camera equipment with me and raised the 35mm to take a picture or two.
But then, it felt wrong – disrespectful, so I lowered my camera, took off my hat, stood quietly and waited for the changing of the guard to complete. I remained standing until the relief guard had retired and the replacement guard has started walking his post. Then I turned and retraced my steps to the tourmobile stop.
You must visit Arlington, in the snow, alone – armed only with your respect for the fallen.
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I hope one day to, both my previous visits were in spring or fall. Yes, that guard change is done according to specifications whether people are there or not. A very respectful memorial.
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Wow! 150 years. That’s amazing. I can imagine they’ll be having some magnificent ceremonies. 🙂
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I’ve been there twice, but wish I could get there for these rituals. I hope to find pictures.
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Reblogged this on The ObamaCrat™.
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Thank you for the honor of reblogging so that even more will read and Remember!
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Was there a few weeks ago for the first time-a place the demands respect. Sad to say, many of the visitors were not granting it that wish. On the flip side: my family and most others were deeply moved.
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Thank you all.
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GP, A terrific Memorial Day tribute to all that served now & in the past! Phil
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Thank you, Phil. This is another part of Military Appreciation Month that closes with Memorial Day on Monday. Frankly each month should be our appreciation month.
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GP, something worth remembering. I’m glad to see you referred to this memorial as, “The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier”–which it still is, in spite of the more modern, “Tomb of the Unknowns”– which I refuse to use, as long as that same inscription is there.
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Thank you, I’m just too used to thinking of it that way. The unknown soldier who represents all those who died, but unidentified.
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You are such a great example to all of us that it is NOT about burgers! I’m going to share this on my personal FB page but also on my city’s annual memorial day service FB page. Volunteering on the committee that makes it happen each year is one of my favorite civic activities.
Thank you!!! You do so much to educate and remind us
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Thank you for your comments and also for volunteering to honor the veterans! You and I know they deserve our undying gratitude, but so many others just shrug it off.
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I just posted about the service … check it out if you have a spar moment sometime 🙂
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I replied on your site about how much I liked it. Hopefully some readers will see your comment here and read as well – beautiful photos!
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Arlington National Cemetery is such a beautiful and moving place; thank you for the post to remind us.
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Isn’t it a remarkable memorial? But everything sure hits home when you take the long view of the tombstones. Thank you for commenting, Christopher.
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Reblogged this on weggieboy's blog and commented:
I can’t think of any better way to emphasize the significance of Memorial Day than to reblog gpcox’s post for today. His posting always are interesting for their historic relevance and insights into war. I recommend you take a bit of time to read through a few, maybe even subscribe to this blog, as part of your Memorial Day observances.
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I am honored by both your words and actions, thank you.
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I’m reblogging this one. I can’t think of any better way to emphasize this isn’t a day for sales and picnics.
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I appreciate that!
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Great post — and a great reminder about what Memorial Day represents.
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My intention – I have been correcting people about the difference between Veteran’s Day and Memorial Day ALL week!
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oh jeeez.
well, I’m not surprised, brother.
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This would be a lovely time to visit. Have you been there?
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Twice. An amazing place, more inspiring than the other memorials in D.C.
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You were very fortunate.
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Thank you. Do you have any cemeteries specifically for your veterans?
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A good question, gp. As far as I know we don’t have anything similar to Arlington but there are areas set aside specifically for veterans. http://www.veteransaffairs.mil.nz/memorials/handbook.html#toc23058625 Thank you for inspiring me to check out this information.
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That’s good to know and according to your link, the government is open to assist in new ones. Excellent.
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Yes!
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We must never forget why this day exists!
It is not about hamburgers, it is about Heroes.
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THAT’S THE TRUTH!! I am correcting SO MANY people – it is really sad! Thank you for that comment, Donna.
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No one deserves it more than you.
You Honor them all everyday!!!!
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Thank you very much, friend. ❤
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Have a wonderful weekend~
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You and your hubby both!
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It’s a shame about the need to have a sign to remind people to behave properly!
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That’s how I felt when I read it (and why I included it). Thanks for noticing, Andrew.
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I always enjoy the detail in your posts!
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I appreciate you saying so.
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