No trip to Washington would be complete without a trip to Arlington National Cemetery. On the way, we explained to Madeline the importance and significance of a national cemetery. However, as much as I tied to prepare Madeline for the impact of seeing the rows and rows of white markers, I myself was not prepared for the feelings I experienced.
It is certainly a humbling feeling to stand before the everlasting flame at the gravesite of John Kennedy, with Jacquelyn at his side and then to have his brother Bobby buried so close as well. 
To Madeline’s generation, these are vague but important historical figures but to our generation, these are the deaths that marked the loss of innocence to our generation and are forever etched in our personal histories as well as those of the nation.
Tomb of the Unknown Solider
The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is officially known as the Tomb of the Unknowns. To witness the guards and the changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Solider is one of the most emotionally moving events that we had ever seen. Madeline immediately understood the solemness of her surroundings as we watched the Tomb Guard protect this monument dedicated to American servicemen and women who have died without their remains being identified. It is considered one of the highest honors to serve as a sentinel at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Less than 20% of all volunteers are accepted for training and of those only a fraction of the 20% pass the training to become Tomb Guards. The sentinels do not wear rank insignia on their uniforms so that they do not outrank the Unknowns. Once becoming a sentinel, one must live by an extremely high moral code of conduct for life, even following departure from the Army. The Tomb Guards is a special platoon within the 3rd US Infantry Regiment which is known as The Old Guard. Making personal sacrifices to have the honor of serving, they work on a team rotation of 24 hours on, 24 hours off, for five days and then taking the following four days off. A guard takes an average of 6 hours to prepare his uniform which is solid wool and worn regardless of the time of year. In addition to preparing the uniform, guards also complete physical training, Tomb Guard training, cut their hair before the next work day and shave twice per day.
Robert E Lee’s Arlington Home
Prior to visiting Arlington National Cemetery, I knew that the home on site was once Robert E Lee’s adult home but I did not know the circumstance surrounding how the home “left” the Lee family. The grounds of the mansion were selected as the site of Arlington National Cemetery to ensure that General Lee would never again be able to return to his home. This is not a story of which we, as Americans, should be proud, however time and history have allowed Robert E Lee to shine as the gentleman and hero that he was and for his Arlington home to be restored to its original magnificence. Iwo Jima
It was surprising to us when Madeline asked to visit this monument as it not one that is usually known to her generation. Located just outside the gates of Arlington Cemetery we headed in that direction. I was surprised by this monument on several counts. First of all, it was a much larger sculpture/monument than I anticipated. Secondly, by how much this monument moved all of us as visitors. Since this monument is out of the way and a destination of its own, it was obvious that all in attendance were there with special reason to remember someone from WW II. The Washington Monument
While we were having fun riding the train to DC, Captain Mark was able to secure tickets for us to go inside The Washington Monument. For all of us, this was the first time inside the monument and it was worth every minute of the wait in the HOT sun. After a very brief history lesson, we were whisked to the top of the monument by an elevator. Once atop, we were able to spend as much time as we wished at each of the windows which face each of the four directions. The day was clear and we could see for miles, literally. It was fun to look down to locate the Lolligag and of course all of the other famous landmarks in DC. 
The Lincoln Memorial
We visited the Lincoln Memorial twice, once at night to see the monument with lights and then again during the daytime. No matter how many times we have seen pictures of this famous memorial, it is vastly more impressive to stand before it and look up into Lincoln’s face. I was proud, and I must say surprised, by the civil, polite and respective way all of the visitors behaved while viewing this memorial. There was no pushing or shoving, just people from all countries showing their respect and admiration for this great American hero. Korean War Memorial
Of all the memorials, I found this one to truly capture the spirit of conflict with the nineteen larger than life stainless steel statues representing a squadron of soldiers from each branch of service on patrol. The facial expressions and body positions are hauntingly life like in intensity as they are dressed in full combat gear and placed within the circle as if on patrol. The memorial is in the form of a triangle intersecting a circle. The circle contains the Pool of Remembrance, a shallow 30-foot-diameter pool lined with black granite and surrounded by a grove of trees with benches. Inscriptions list the numbers killed, wounded, missing in action, and held as prisoners of war.
White House Helicopters
President Bush was visiting China and the Olympics during most of Madeline’s visit. As luck would have it though, we were walking right by the Washington Monument when he returned to the White House. Before the President’s helicopter comes into the area, a reconnaissance helicopter flies over the immediate area to make sure all is secure. Then there is a formation of three identical helicopters each flying approximately one minute apart. Each copter flies directly to the White House lawn and diverts at the last minute if it is not the helicopter containing the President. We all took bets on which helicopter President Bush would be in and Madeline won the bet by saying that he would be in the third helicopter. Within twenty minutes of landing, President Bush held a press conference at the White House on the Russian invasion of Georgia.This shot was taken on the day we came up the Potomac. As you can clearly see, here is a shot of me taking a picture of them taking a picture of me.
Being a tourist is hard work.
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