articles

A Visit to Arlington National Cemetery

Make This Memorial Day Special

By Maria Ellis May 14, 2024

Are you looking for a way to make this Memorial Day extra special? A Visit to the Arlington National Cemetery with your family will be a truly memorable experience. Arlington National Cemetery is an enduring tribute to those who've dedicated their lives to defending the ideals of our nation. A visit here will leave an indelible impression on your spirit.

 

History of Arlington National Cemetery

Arlington National Cemetery is located on a parcel of land that once belonged to George Washington's adopted son, George Washington Parke Custis. In 1857, Custis left the property to his daughter Mary Anna Randolph Custis and it became the family home for her and her husband Robert E. Lee.

 

A few years later, the grounds were used for various purposes, including serving as a camp and headquarters for Federal Troops during the Civil War and later providing a safe haven for slaves who were transitioning to freedom. Arlington National Cemetery held its first military burial on May 13, 1864.

 

Today, the property is the final resting place for more than 400,000 active duty service members, veterans and their families. It is a place of honor where the men and women who gave their lives in service will be eternally celebrated and where all who visit can gain a sense of their sacrifice.


Witness the Changing of the Guard Ceremony

The military guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is changed in an elaborate ceremony which happens every hour on the hour from October 1 through March 31, and every half hour from April 1 through September 30. Twenty-four hours a day, soldiers from the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment, known as "The Old Guard," stand watch over the Tomb. Witness this solemn ceremony on your visit to Arlington National Cemetery.


A Discount with Certifikid

This is a great time to experience the Arlington National Cemetery with a 20% discount from CertifiKID! Click HERE for details.