7-25, Arlington National Cemetary

For Bridget's last full day with us, we drove to DC (yes, again...). We went to Arlington National Cemetary. I had been there (remember our trip there, Mom and Dad?) during the Academy days, but Sven, Bridget and Nikolas had not. We walked around and read some of the headstones. We found several "Gardners"-- my mom's maiden name. We saw the gravesites of JFK, Jackie Onassis, and RFK. No visit would be complete without seeing the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

Gravesite of JFK and family

Gravesite of RFK

view of DC from JFK's resting place

Our last stop of our mini-tour was the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. We stayed and watched the changing of the guard. After that, we got to see the ceremony for changing the wreath as well. The newest one was presented by the International Military Officers. There were representatives there from Iraq, Kuwait, and Russia to name a few. It was very "awe-some". We just couldn't imagine being the guard on duty to stand at attention and march back and forth for hours on end in full uniform during extreme weather. The discipline and bearing-- amazing.

It was very thought-provoking to see the International Military Officers presenting a wreath to be displayed before the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

I don't know if there is a sound in this world more somber than that of Taps on a lone bugle.