There’s something about national cemeteries that freaks me out. It could be the depersonalization or the pathos, or perhaps just my general inability to cope with collective symbols of death. But there’s no doubt that the American National Cemetery at Arlington (Virginia) near Washington DC is an impressive and depressing site to visit.
(photo of the Jewish part of the cemetry)
The official website explains :
The grounds of Arlington National Cemetery honor those who have served our nation by providing a sense of beauty and peace for our guests. The rolling green hills are dotted with trees that are hundreds of years in age and complement the gardens found throughout the 624 acres of the cemetery. This impressive landscape serves as a tribute to the service and sacrifice of every individual laid to rest within the hallowed grounds of Arlington National Cemetery.
Let’s go in…
There are a few “special” areas in the cemetery to visit, like Kennedy’s Grave…
There are a few special exhibitions. One of those that I went into was about women in the American wars so far…
And there’s the Arlington House – which I recommend visiting – overlooking this vast collection of graves…
All in all, there are grave as far as the eye can see…
With some grand views of the Washington DC national mall far away…
Not what I would call your typical “tourist attraction” but it is an important site if you want to get a better sense of the US. Politics aside, I believe most Americans you’d talk to would see this place as nothing but holy and dear, a must visit if they’re in the area.