The Official Website of Arlington National Cemetery

Today is the day that was set aside to remember the men and women who have died in the service to our country. It has been a tradition since the mid-19th century to hold this celebration in the month of May, and it has been a Federal holiday since 1971. Today we look at a site that has come to represent this ultimate sacrifice that has been made.

The site is Arlington National Cemetery, located near Washington, D.C. Here is the final resting place of thousands of American soldiers, sailors, and marines. There are also two presidents buried here, as well as several astronauts. While we think of war heroes being buried here, there are also everyday citizens who served our country, and then made their living in other occupations. But they are buried here, side by side with their fellow sevicemen. Among the noted buried here are PFC Lee Marvin, USMC (and Academy Award winning actor) and T. Sgt. Joe Louis, USA (and former Heavyweight Champion of the World) are just two of those everyday citizens.

This site is a very complete look at the history surrounding this time honored place, with descriptions of how it was at one time the family home of Robert E. Lee's wife, and how it came to be a cemetery. There is information about the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, as well as other ceremonies that are held there.

Our country has long remembered the men and women who defended, and are now defending our country. Their sacrifices they make so that we enjoy the freedoms we have are something that we should all remember.

http://www.arlingtoncemetery.org/

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