All washington-dc Attractions

Arlington National Cemetery

Arlington National Cemetery

Located just across the Potomac River, away from the hustle and bustle of the National Mall, lies Arlington National Cemetery perched on top of a hill. Stretching for over 600 acres, this land is the final resting place of over 400,000 military members and a handful of other notable individuals who have served our country. Every U.S. President is eligible to be buried here regardless if they served in the military or not, as their title of Commander in Chief delegates them as the overseer of all armed forces. Some notable graves here include President John F. Kennedy, his wife Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, and John Glenn, the first American astronaut to orbit Earth who also served as a U.S. Senator. Over 396 Medal of Honor recipients, of America’s highest and most prestigious personal military honor, are buried here.

One of the most moving areas in Arlington National Cemetery is the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Rain or shine, the white marble tomb that lies here is guarded. Every hour upon the hour October through March, and every half hour April through September, the guards conduct the symbolic Changing of the Guard Ceremony, that you don’t want to miss.