We are finally getting to Washington D.C.! Our first stop here is Arlington National Cemetery. It is a truly humbling place. Seeing the headstones makes you stop and think about the freedoms we have and how we take it for granted. Those freedoms cost us . . . much more than some realize. Lots of the teachers on the bus have stories of grandparents, parents, relatives, and friends who were in the military. Hearing some of the stories and the passion these teachers have for keeping history alive is inspiring!
We were headed for the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier to try to catch the changing of the guards, but the heat and all of the walking earlier had caught up with me! Instead we visited the tomb of John F. Kennedy. The eternal flame was requested by Mrs. Kennedy, similar to the one in Paris for the French Unknown Soldier. The gravesite inscription is his inaugural address. As you enter the area there is a sign asking you to observe in silence and with respect.
Though we did not make it to the changing of the guards, I did get to watch it live from the main entrance. It is streamed in there on a large screen for anyone to watch. The ceremony was pretty interesting and very solemn to say the least.
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