Arlington

Located just across the Potomac River from Washington DC in Virginia, is the 612-acre site of Arlington National Cemetery. It is the burial ground for over 225,000 military personnel and their dependents, with veterans from every US war since the Revolutionary War. Arlington has been a fully operational National Cemetery since May of 1864. As well as military personnel there are a number of other historically prominent people buried within the cemetery. Today, it is actively involved with the burial of military casualties from the Iraqi and Afghanistan war fronts, as well as the aging veterans. Overall, daily funerals average about 27 each workday.

The 1100-acre property and home of Robert E. Lee (Confederate General) were confiscated during the Civil War. Union soldiers were buried around the house so he could never us it again. After the Civil Ware, the site become the national cemetery. The house of Robert E. Lee is located within the grounds and has arguably the best view of Washington DC.

Also located within the cemetery is the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, which represents all unknown soldiers killed in action. A military guard maintain a round the clock vigil.

An eternal flame marks the grave of John F Kennedy, which is located just below Lee's house.

United States Air Force Monument

Located on a promontory in Arlington, overlooking the Pentagon and adjacent to Arlington Cemetery, the Air Force Memorial is easily seen on the skyline of Washington, D.C. and Northern Virginia. The three spires represent the three core values of the Air Force - integrity first, service before self, and excellence in all that is done - and the Air Force’s total force - active, guard and reserve.

Embedded in granite beneath the three central spires is the Air Force "star," which has long been emblazoned on Air Force aircraft and serves as the rank insignia of every enlisted member of the Air Force. Other key elements of the Memorial include a Runway to Glory at the site entrance, a bronze Honor Guard statue, two granite inscription walls located at either end of the central lawn and a Glass Contemplation Wall that honors fallen airmen.

Jeff and Nicole Woolford and Carol and I visited the monument just before Christmas. Though people look at it from a distant and wonder why the big three spires (which can be seen for miles), when you are standing under them and read the inscription walls it becomes clear and it is a very well done memorial.