Arlington National Cemetery, resting place for more than 240000 American military men and women and their dependents, is the most honored burial ground, consecrated by the famous and the everyman, with a history that links George Washington to Robert E. Lee to John F. Kennedy. The most famous burial at Arlington is unknown. The tomb of the Unknown Soldier includes the remains of unidentified soliders from World War I, World War II and the Korean War, and honors those fallen soldiers “known but to God.” The precision and poignancy of the changing of the guard ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknowns is one of the most moving spectacles of the capital, and is carried out hourly or, in summer months, on the half hour. The real impact of Arlington is in its serenity. On its 612 acres of rolling hills are interred America’s heroes, both famous and unsung, with the rows of headstones seemingly standing at attention, ever ready for duty. And when taking in the view of the city from Arlington House that so inpsired President Kennedy, one understands what they fought for. In honor of Master Gunnery Sergeant Darrell Boatman USMC killed in Iraq and his father, Master Sergeant Roy Boatman, Army Ranger Vietnam Veteran.
