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Arlington National Cemetery

1 Wilson Avenue, Arlington, Virginia

Description

Arlington National Cemetery is a burial ground for active-duty member of the armed forces and other eligible persons such as veterans or decorated personnel. The cemetery has been in use since the US Civil War (1861-1865) and there are about 7,00 burials (in-ground or cremation) per year or close to 30 per day on average (weekdays only). The best-known memorial is the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, also known as the Tomb of the Unknowns since soldiers entombed here are for WW1, WW2, the Korean Was and Vietnam War. It is perpetually guarded since 1937. Famous people buried in Arlington include Presidents William Howard Taft, John F. Kennedy as well as his wife Jacqueline and his two brothers, John Glenn (first American to orbit Earth) and two of the Apollo 1 astronauts.

Access & Transport

The cemetery is directly across the Potomac River from the Lincoln Memorial in Washington D.C. The main cemetery entrance is at the end of Memorial Avenue, which extends from Memorial Bridge. Arlington Cemetery station, on the Metro's Blue line, is a short walk from the Welcome Center.

Instructions & Recommendations

No pets, no picnicking, and no F&B other than water, You are welcome to attend a public ceremony but speak quietly and no leisure/sports activities such as running or cycling is allowed.

Meta review

The cemetery gets excellent online reviews for its peaceful and beautiful grounds as well as the impressive and moving changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. There are some recurring advice not to forget to take some water on a hot day, to count on 2h or more to explore the cemetery and a few occasional comments about the slopes and distance that can be tiring after a while.

Environmental & Social

We deem this activity environmentally neutral. Helps commemorate those that served (and often died for) their country.

Conclusion

The ANC is probably a must-see (or should see) for US Citizens and military history buffs but may lack historical significance for the others. Visiting is about honouring those fallen for their country, not expressing one's opinion about the 'merits' of the wars waged.

Key positive

Impressive grounds and memorials

Historical aspects

Key negative

A little out of the way from the center of Washington DC

Suitability

No restrictions

About this Rating

TYPE

Desktop

RESEARCHED IN

Updated in August 2023

PROVIDER

Koreval

Included Items
None
Timing
Duration of visit

av. transport time:0h 35m

est. visit time:2h

Regulated hours

Monday08:00 - 17:00

Tuesday08:00 - 17:00

Wednesday08:00 - 17:00

Thursday08:00 - 17:00

Friday08:00 - 17:00

Saturday08:00 - 17:00

Sunday08:00 - 17:00

Pricing
Free

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