Arlington National Cemetary The former home of Robert E. Lee, transformed into a cemetary for the Civil War dead in response to his decision to join the Confederate States of America.  It was the most difficult decision of his life, but Lee considered himself to be a Virginian first and foremost - when his state left the Union, he felt he must go with it.  Eventually, his family would get financial compensation for the land and Lee himself would regain his American citizenship - over a century after his death. To learn more about this site, go here.

In the foreground, you can see John F. Kennedy's eternal flame. Behind it is Arlington House, the Lee ancestral home.  Note the flag at half mast - from 1/2 hour before the first funeral of the day until 1/2 hour after the last, this flag is at half-mast to honor the dead.

The view from Arlington House.  Imagine how beautiful it was when Lee lived here - looking out across fields and trees at the Potomac.

The numberless fallen: each has served the country, many have died in the effort.

Tomb of the Unknown Soldiers

This alabaster sarcophagus contains the remains of soldiers who died in World War I, World War II, and the Korean War.  These dead represent the many who lost not only their lives but their fates - the soldiers who left to serve and were never seen again.  The tomb also contained a soldier from the Vietnam War, but DNA testing has determined his identity and he has been sent home at his family's request.

A member of the Honor Guard, guarding the tomb.  This is a position of the highest honor, and soldiers such as this man march 24 hours per day, every day of the year; To learn more about them and the tomb, go here.

The ceremonial changing of the guard

Facing the Heat: over 90 degrees, and almost as much humidity... they're melting!

Beat the Heat!

Chaperones return from the water seller

Thirsty, Kerri?

Return to Index | Return to Mr Pizzuto's Web Page