Arlington National Cemetery

Arlington National Cemetery is an iconic landmark located in Arlington, Virginia. This national cemetery is the final resting place of more than 400,000 military veterans and their families. It is a well-maintained space that serves as a place of grief and reflection to remember the American soldiers and personnel who lost their lives in service to the country. The cemetery covers approximately 624 acres of land and includes several notable landmarks such as the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, the Space Shuttle Challenger Memorial, and the Memorial Amphitheater. The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier houses the remains of unidentified soldiers from World War I, World War II, and the Korean War. The changing of the guard ceremony that takes place every hour is a solemn and memorable experience that attracts many visitors to the cemetery.

Aside from being a military cemetery, Arlington National Cemetery is also a historical landmark. It was established in 1864 during the American Civil War and was initially meant for the burial of Union soldiers. There are several memorials and statues dedicated to the soldiers and military personnel who served in various conflicts such as the Spanish-American War, the Vietnam War, and the Afghanistan and Iraq Wars. Tourists can take a tour of the grounds either by foot, via a tram ride, or an interpretive bus tour. The visitor center offers maps and brochures with information about the cemetery and its inhabitants. The cemetery is open year-round, and admission is free. Adjacent to the cemetery is the Arlington House, the former home of Robert E. Lee, the commander of the Confederate Army of Northern Virginia during the Civil War. The house is now a museum that offers guided tours of the historical mansion.