I've always been fascinated with John F. Kennedy. I'm always glued to the television when catching a documentary or another conspiracy theory on his assassination. I've always wondered what the feeling was like in America after that tragic event. I just couldn't imagine the struggle that followed after.
I wanted to visit his memorial while visiting Arlington National Cemetery. We filed up the pathway one by one, following the signs that would lead us to where the 35th President now rested. Pictures do not serve justice to seeing this in person. Simply put, it was beautiful, I was at a loss for words. Kennedy's Memorial is visited by thousands each day.
John Fitzgerald Kennedy was buried in Arlington National Cemetery on November 25, 1963 and his gravesite is one of the most visited spots in the cemetery to date. He was moved from the original gravesite to one just a few feet away on March 14, 1967. His wife, Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis was laid to rest next to him when she died of cancer in 1994.
John F. Kennedy gravesite with the Custis-Lee Mansion in the background on top of the hill.
When I arrived at this site no one around was speaking... the silence was eerie
For some reason this sign caught my eye as I was walking past
It is considered one of the highest honors to
serve as a ceremonial guard at the Tomb of the Unknowns
The Tomb is guarded 24-hours-per-day and 365-days-per year
by specially trained members of the 3rd United States Infantry
Before leaving I watched the change of Guards at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldiers. Amazing. The Guards commit two years of life to guard the tomb, living in a barracks under the tomb. After two years, the guard is given a wreath pin that is worn on their lapel signifying they served as guard of the Tomb. There are currently only 400 presently worn. The guard must obey these rules for the rest of their lives or give up the wreath pin.
The tomb reads "HERE RESTS IN HONORED GLORY AN AMERICAN SOLDIER KNOWN BUT TO GOD".
Thank you to our men and women who serve for our country.
Till next time,
Nathan
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