Who has taken the time to visit Arlington at least once in your life?

2015-03-03T14:30:32-05:00

I was looking over photos that I took when I went to Arlington and was curious how many active and Veterans have taken the time to visit.

Response by Cpl Alex Whitney made Mar 3 at 2015 2:33 PM

2015-03-03T14:33:44-05:00

My grandparents are buried here. Last fall, I took my family to visit Arlington.

Response by Cpl Mark McMiller made Mar 3 at 2015 2:46 PM

2015-03-03T14:46:01-05:00

I live outside DC so have been there a few times. I'm a Marine but I have to say I can't help but feel enormous pride and a get lump in my throat watching those Old Guard soldiers do their thing.

Response by PO2 Mark Saffell made Mar 3 at 2015 3:24 PM

2015-03-03T15:24:46-05:00

I was lucky enough to view the changing of the guard as one of the guards was walking his last post. Was a special Ceromony.

Response by SGT Jim Z. made Mar 3 at 2015 3:24 PM

2015-03-03T15:24:56-05:00

I have several times in fact I used to live next door at then Ft Meyer.

Response by Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS made Mar 3 at 2015 3:43 PM

2015-03-03T15:43:39-05:00

I live just outside DC.

Hallowed Ground... I have never been able to find other words more apt.

If you ever get the chance to visit the landmarks of DC, I'd recommend visiting this, the Wall, and the Korea Memorial (which when there is snow, is frankly awe inspiring). I'd also recommend the Marine Corps Museum in Triangle, which is just outside MCB Quantico. All of the Smithsonians are worth it as well... DC is loaded with history.

Response by GySgt Wayne A. Ekblad made Mar 3 at 2015 4:06 PM

2015-03-03T16:06:18-05:00

I've been there several times . . . I have a lot of friends there.

Response by CW5 Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 3 at 2015 5:23 PM

2015-03-03T17:23:24-05:00

I have visited there, and I even worked there -- in the Old Guard -- with SFC Boots Attaway. I was in Honor Guard Company, in the firing platoon, and we did lots of funerals in Arlington. I also tried out for Tomb Guard, but I left after the two-week trial period, because I did not feel I was right for that job. That was in 1978/1979, and since then I've visited the Tomb and Arlington National Cemetery several times.

Response by Capt Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 3 at 2015 5:26 PM

2015-03-03T17:26:42-05:00

I have been there to bury my grandfather. I've been there to visit, as well. It's an incredible experience.

Response by Sgt Pj O'Malley made Mar 3 at 2015 5:46 PM

2015-03-03T17:46:40-05:00

I had the honor of walking through Arlington while I was visiting D.C. in 2011. I was overwhelmed with emotion. Seeing the word "Unknown" engraved on so many headstones changed my life in a sense. Those were Marines, Sailors, Soldiers and Airman who we couldn't even identify, who gave their lives to protect those who couldn't protect themselves. Nobody would have a clue they were there unless they are walking along side the miles of ivory crosses and monuments. Breaks me down inside.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 3 at 2015 6:40 PM

2015-03-03T18:40:05-05:00

I got my first taste as a kid with my family, then once again during our 8th grade class trip to DC, then as an AIT Instructor in VA, I went a few times with my own family. I get chills every time I go to this day.

Response by SFC Dan Sorrow, M.S. made Mar 3 at 2015 6:46 PM

2015-03-03T18:46:55-05:00

Yes, several times! My best friend is buried there, SGT Alvin Jerome Mitchell. Been over 25 years since he left but I still gladly remember our days in Baumholder, West Germany and the phone calls and letters after that assignment ended.

Response by CSM Michael J. Uhlig made Mar 3 at 2015 6:51 PM

2015-03-03T18:51:57-05:00

An incredibly humbling and moving experience.

Response by SFC Boots Attaway made Mar 3 at 2015 6:54 PM

2015-03-03T18:54:32-05:00

I spent 3.5 years there with the Presidential Firing Party Plt in the Honor Guard Co of the Old Guard. That is where I met CW5 Private RallyPoint Member in 78. We pulled many funerals in ANC and plenty of White House and Pentagon ceremonies.

Response by SGT Richard H. made Mar 3 at 2015 7:00 PM

2015-03-03T19:00:47-05:00

I have. I took my family to DC a few years ago on Thanksgiving while my niece was a Doc at Walter Reed. We had Thanksgiving dinner at the Walter Reed DFAC with some recovering heroes, then Friday my first stop was Arlington. I made my daughter (12 at the time) read this sign to me twice before I'd let her pass it.

Response by TSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 3 at 2015 7:03 PM

2015-03-03T19:03:58-05:00

I have gone there very humbling place for sure.The Old Guard are not messing around.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 3 at 2015 7:06 PM

2015-03-03T19:06:25-05:00

I have been three times. Every time I go to see my buddies on the wall, I go to Arlington.

Response by 1SG Cameron M. Wesson made Mar 3 at 2015 7:07 PM

2015-03-03T19:07:30-05:00

I have and on more than one occasion. I have also taken my children there... And explained its significance and introduced them to a few friends that rest there. Lest we forget! My son, now a SGT in the Army, buried his best friend there who was KIA in the AZ Dec 2013 he rests in good company... The best!

Response by TSgt Joshua Copeland made Mar 3 at 2015 7:10 PM

2015-03-03T19:10:45-05:00

Multiple times. Pretty much every time I am in the DC area

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 3 at 2015 7:26 PM

2015-03-03T19:26:47-05:00

When my son was in AIT at Aberdeen Proving Grounds, in Maryland I went to see him graduate and took him and three buddies of his to the wall. I pointed out some names of soldiers I served with, things got real emotional.

Response by LTC Stephen C. made Mar 3 at 2015 8:06 PM

2015-03-03T20:06:21-05:00

I've been there many times, PO2 Mark Saffell, and it's always a most humbling and reverent experience.

Response by SSG Paul Lanciault made Mar 3 at 2015 8:10 PM

2015-03-03T20:10:13-05:00

I have, and look forward to the day I go back again with my children. I make a point of re posting any pictures of these soldiers out there storm after storm while we are warm and dry.

Response by SFC Michael Jackson, MBA made Mar 3 at 2015 8:13 PM

2015-03-03T20:13:28-05:00

yes, been there did that. Its a humbling experience

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 3 at 2015 8:16 PM

2015-03-03T20:16:35-05:00

Been there many times along with the Pentagon and a few other sites. Very humbling place when you go and watch the guards and their strict protocol. My father was stationed at Ft Belvoir and we would go into DC very often to revisit.

Response by SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 3 at 2015 8:21 PM

2015-03-03T20:21:02-05:00

When I lived in Arlington, VA, I would make it a point to go visit Arlington National Cemetery at least twice per month. It was only two stops up the Blue Line on the Metro.

The best experience was watching the last Changing of the Guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. The Sergeant of the Guard turns to the spectators and says, "Arlington National Cemetery becomes a Military Restricted Zone at 1800 hours. Please make your way to the exits... NOW!"

Response by Capt Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 3 at 2015 9:15 PM

2015-03-03T21:15:11-05:00

Visiting Arlington was one of the most humbling experiences in my life. It's an absolute wonder and so much to take in. I can't wait to go back.

Response by PO2 Steven Erickson made Mar 3 at 2015 9:38 PM

2015-03-03T21:38:00-05:00

My wife ran the Marine Corps Marathon in 2014. I walked around the cemetery (and found a couple of old friends) during the race.

I will never be the same. So many markers... So many heroes...

Response by SrA Marc Haynes made Mar 3 at 2015 9:48 PM

2015-03-03T21:48:48-05:00

I took my girlfriend, her two teenage boys and my teenager to see it. It is an inspiring experience that I think every parent should take their children to see, not only for the kids but for themselves.

Response by SFC Derek Ashman made Mar 3 at 2015 9:51 PM

2015-03-03T21:51:17-05:00

I been there several times. I try to visit once a year to visit some of my soldiers and buddies that was laid to rest there. I will never forget the sacrifice they did for our country.

Response by SCPO Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 3 at 2015 11:14 PM

2015-03-03T23:14:19-05:00

I go there often to reflect, collect mt thoughts, and pay my respect to those that have gone before.

Response by PV2 Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 4 at 2015 9:56 AM

2015-03-04T09:56:28-05:00

I have the honor of living in Arlington. I pass the Air Force Memorial, and Arlington Cemetery on my way to the Pentagon to take the Metro to work. I'm always awestruck by it's somber beauty.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 4 at 2015 10:04 AM

2015-03-04T10:04:16-05:00

I have been a couple times. I am due a visit. A former roommate I had is there.

Response by Capt Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 4 at 2015 10:06 AM

2015-03-04T10:06:17-05:00

I was fortunate to take my first trip there in 2009 with my brother. At the age of 29, it was the first time I'd ever been to DC. Such an amazing town, and too much to see in one long weekend!

Response by SPC Joshua H. made Mar 4 at 2015 10:17 AM

2015-03-04T10:17:09-05:00

I have never been to DC. I think this spring that is going to be fixed because I need to head out there for work. There are several things I HAVE to visit, and Arlington is one of them.

Response by SPC(P) Jay Heenan made Mar 4 at 2015 10:40 AM

2015-03-04T10:40:48-05:00

Unfortunately, I have never had the opportunity to visit any of our landmarks located in or around Arlington. However, I am medically retiring soon, so as I make my way across the country, I will be stopping at lots of historical places with the family. We plan on spending some time in and around DC to visit them.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 4 at 2015 10:41 AM

2015-03-04T10:41:25-05:00

I visited at 13 and it still affects me. This is a somber, respectful venue that all AMERICANS, not just military, should visit and reflect upon.

Response by SFC William Swartz Jr made Mar 4 at 2015 10:48 AM

2015-03-04T10:48:56-05:00

I visited as a young kid in the early '70s but will make a trip with my wife one of these days now that I am retired so that I can visit some "old friends" that have been laid to rest there as well as to pay my respect to all that have sacrificed so much for this nation over the course of our history.

Response by SFC Walt Littleton made Mar 4 at 2015 10:50 AM

2015-03-04T10:50:37-05:00

Visited every time I'm in DC. Always taking a new person with me who has never seen this.

Very moving experience every time I go and anyone I have ever taken are stunned at the meaning of this place.

Puts War in perspective! Standing on the Hill overlooking the Capital and Wasington monument then you see all the grave stones and the Tombs of the Unknowns!!! Unforgettable Wxperience!!!

Response by SPC Elijah J. Henry, MBA made Mar 4 at 2015 11:10 AM

2015-03-04T11:10:17-05:00

Yes, I have. My brother -- who was in the Navy Ceremonial Guard at the time -- took me to see it while I was visiting him in DC.

Response by SSG (ret) William Martin made Mar 4 at 2015 12:11 PM

2015-03-04T12:11:09-05:00

This is might be odd to some but when I was in AIT/ MOS school and when the Army still had drill sergeants in AIT, they sent us to Arlington on a four day pass. As new newly minted Soldiers, the drill sergeants wanted to show us what it meant to be a Soldier.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 4 at 2015 12:16 PM

2015-03-04T12:16:31-05:00

Once with my girlfriend (now fiance) a couple years ago. The honor and pride reverberates throughout the hallowed grounds. The Old Guard is magnificent and the history of patriotism and sacrifice is amazing. I definitely felt proud to be an American that day. It reminded me of the tremendous example we need to live up to. Truly humbling the sacrifices made for all of us.

Response by MAJ Chris Ballard made Mar 4 at 2015 2:29 PM

2015-03-04T14:29:03-05:00

I was a company commander in The Old Guard from 06-07. I especially loved the "boneyard" (a term of endearment) in the fall. We'd do a leaders' recon of the burial sites for the day before PT. Watching the sun come up over all the tombstones is truly something to see.

Response by SSG Jeffrey Spencer made Mar 4 at 2015 3:29 PM

2015-03-04T15:29:08-05:00

More than once. It is a moving tribute to be there personally.

Response by SPC David S. made Mar 4 at 2015 8:15 PM

2015-03-04T20:15:28-05:00

Been there a couple of times. Old Guard utmost pride in what they do. Much respect.

Response by Sgt David G Duchesneau made Mar 4 at 2015 8:23 PM

2015-03-04T20:23:49-05:00

I first visited Arlington National Cemetery as a teen ager when I had the honor to March in President Kennedy’s Inauguration Parade in January of 1961. There was snow on the ground and it was extremely cold. But I can tell you that I was so moved and it had a very profound and lasting impression on me. I have never visited a place like Arlington that is so meaningful with its silence and reverence. I go to the DC area as often as I can and every time I do, I visit the Wall and Arlington National Cemetery. I have taken all of my five children to Arlington and every time I go, I can feel that strong emotion, like the hair rising on the back of your neck that comes over all of us when we are in awe. As a matter of fact, I'll be there again in May. I have traveled all around the world and there is no place that has affected me like Arlington National Cemetery!

Response by SMSgt Judy Hickman made Mar 4 at 2015 9:32 PM

2015-03-04T21:32:05-05:00

I actually had the opportunity to visit for the first time this year. It is a truly awe inspiring place. One that makes you think about all of our military members who have given their lives to support out country and those that have served honorably.

Response by SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 5 at 2015 1:06 AM

2015-03-05T01:06:23-05:00

Going to the Tomb of the Unknown was one of the most sobering and eerie events in my life... Hearing the dead silence, event from infants who stopped crying as the ceremony started, was an amazing event.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 5 at 2015 1:58 AM

2015-03-05T01:58:26-05:00

ABSOLUTELY!

I took the time in 2004 while training in Virginia. I could not believe how some people can be disrespectful while at a place of the ultimate sacrifice. Phones ringing and others talking during the changing of the guard.

I thoroughly enjoyed it.

Response by CW5 Jim Steddum made Mar 5 at 2015 6:46 AM

2015-03-05T06:46:51-05:00

Having attending funerals there for mentors KIA, I will go as often as I can.

Response by COL Mikel J. Burroughs made Mar 5 at 2015 1:19 PM

2015-03-05T13:19:18-05:00

I have had the pleassure of visiting it sererval times - great experience and very proud of the soldiers that perform this honorable duty.

Response by PO3 Devin Gallagher made Mar 5 at 2015 1:20 PM

2015-03-05T13:20:31-05:00

I haven't got a chance to go there but I definitely want to go some time and see the changing of the gaurd ceremony. Saw a video online their level of discipline and reverence for what they are doing is inspiring.

Response by COL Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 5 at 2015 2:39 PM

2015-03-05T14:39:44-05:00

For me visiting Arlington and other Memorial Resting places was a humbling and moving experience.

Response by Sgt Spencer Sikder made Mar 5 at 2015 6:07 PM

2015-03-05T18:07:59-05:00

My cousin, who was about 7 at the time, is buried there. Visited his grave a couple of years back. He is buried among 0-6 and above in the shadows of the Air Force monument. Awesome place to visit.

Response by SSgt Ez Taylor made Mar 5 at 2015 10:35 PM

2015-03-05T22:35:15-05:00

I was there in support of 9/11, and I made it a point to go to Arlington Cemetery.

It was the middle of winter, snow, and sun, and very humbling. I sat on the steps, and watched the Sentry for an hour and a half. I requested permission to photograph, and was told it wasn't a problem, but I made sure my shutter sound was silent. I could not bare to break the serenity, and respect of the silence. I have a beautiful, and humbling shot, of the Sentry coming back toward me, and the sun sparkling at the very end of his bayonet. He looked like a fierce angel, and I will always be thankful for that private moment in time.

I went on to quietly walk the paths, read the headstones, watch the fog roll alone the grass, and feel like I was in one of the most sacred, and honorable places I had ever been blessed to walk upon.

I admit, when people (the few that do in the winter) walked past talking loudly, or cackling in some form, I gave what was probably an unfair scowl, but I felt it was inappropriate on such hallowed ground.

I will never forget, and the photos will always be a cherished token of that time in my career path.

Response by COL Charles Williams made Mar 5 at 2015 11:31 PM

2015-03-05T23:31:30-05:00

Many times...

I went first on a 9th grade trip (75-76), then several family vacations, and many times (every time) I was TDY to DC... I even had the honor to get a back stage tour at the Tomb of the Unknowns with my wife.

Now Section 60 is always a stop since 911.

My wife and I will reside there someday.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 6 at 2015 8:31 AM

2015-03-06T08:31:43-05:00

Every time I am in the area.
I know far too many names on those cold white stones.

Response by SSG Adam Reed made Mar 6 at 2015 9:19 AM

2015-03-06T09:19:59-05:00

After our deployment, a few of us were lucky enough to have a day laid over in the DC area. We went to the National Cemetery and watched the changing of the guard. It was a huge lump in the throat for me. This may sound corny but even though I know no one who is laid to rest at Arlington it felt like I knew all of them.
On a more negative note. Have you ever watched the videos of people being disrespectful at the Tomb. People just laughing and carrying on like it is no big deal. But when the guards correct them it is the coolest thing to see. The guards totally call them out in front of everyone. Hopefully John Q gets the message and changes his ways.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 6 at 2015 1:43 PM

2015-03-06T13:43:47-05:00

I try to make it a point to visit Arlington every time I'm in DC. Many Soldiers can dispute military movies and public displays claiming a lack of realism. There is nothing fake about what the Old Guard does at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. They are out there day and night, cold or heat, rain or snow. Simply amazing.

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 6 at 2015 1:48 PM

2015-03-06T13:48:33-05:00

I visited before I joined the Army. I would love to go back now. I can't imagine another place in this country that inspires the kind of reverence that Arlington does.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 6 at 2015 1:50 PM

2015-03-06T13:50:44-05:00

Yes I had the honor in 2006. Very humbling!

Response by COL Mikel J. Burroughs made Mar 11 at 2015 12:29 PM

2015-03-11T12:29:42-04:00

I have actually taken my entire Battalion Staff on two different occasions when I was a Battalion Commander to experience the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and Arlington National Cemetery, along with visiting all of our Logistics/Transportation MOS Producing Schools. I definitely want to take my daughters and their families some day down the road.

Response by SFC Stephen P. made Mar 11 at 2015 12:41 PM

2015-03-11T12:41:46-04:00

I've been in that area twice for duty. The first time ~2000, my team and I did our sightseeing after small dedication ceremony for a new monument in the cemetery. The changing of the guard is one of the most awesome things I've ever witnessed.

The second time, I was part of a blogging team in 2010. Our mission required 2 for a wreath laying, and 1 to cover the family readiness briefings. My comrades had never seen the tomb, so I insisted they go while took the death by powerpoint.

Response by CW3 Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 11 at 2015 12:51 PM

2015-03-11T12:51:18-04:00

I have several times, and will again.

Response by MSG David Johnson made Mar 11 at 2015 1:54 PM

2015-03-11T13:54:21-04:00

I was in WA DC several years ago with my wife and some friends, they all understood why I had to visit Arlington, and the Tomb of The Unknowns. I felt it an honor to be able to see the changing of the guard, I think there was a large amount of military/former military in the crowd as there were quite a few cases of "On the spot corrections" of civilians who thought it was a joke to laugh, play grabass, and not remove their headgear.
I was also able to see the "B Team" of the Marine Corps Silent Drill at the Iwo Jima Memorial.

Response by Sgt Spencer Sikder made May 25 at 2015 2:28 PM

2015-05-25T14:28:02-04:00

Twice, once to bury a cousin and the second time to visit his grave. I did notice I have a completely difference sense about myself when I visit a National cemetery as compared to a neighborhood cemetery.

Response by SGT Michael DeLaGarza made May 25 at 2015 2:29 PM

2015-05-25T14:29:58-04:00

Yes, 2011..

Response by TSgt David L. made May 25 at 2015 2:41 PM

2015-05-25T14:41:59-04:00

Yes, I had the honor of visiting while TDY one time to D.C. From end to end the place keeps a tear in the corner of your eye. There were a few burials happening while I was there and I got to watch a caisson carry a casket to it's final resting spot. Hard to hide the tears while hearing Taps and seeing things like that...

Response by SFC Mcglen Odom made Aug 2 at 2015 11:02 PM

2015-08-02T23:02:20-04:00

I was a Tomb Guard the best job I had in the Army

Response by SSG James Arlington made Aug 2 at 2015 11:36 PM

2015-08-02T23:36:02-04:00

Me. SSG Arlington!

Response by SSgt Alex Robinson made Aug 2 at 2015 11:42 PM

2015-08-02T23:42:11-04:00

I lived in DC for several years and went at least once a month. After I moved away I still found time once a year to return. It is the most important place in DC as far as I am concerned.

Response by SPC George Long made Aug 2 at 2015 11:47 PM

2015-08-02T23:47:54-04:00

I have family and friends buried there. Revolution to the last dust up in the middle east. I am 65 and imagine I've been there twice a year many years. Total?
. What is there to be gained by keeping track.

Response by SGT Mary G. made Aug 20 at 2015 4:07 AM

2015-08-20T04:07:41-04:00

Late summer 1983.