Arlington National Cemetery, Fort Myer

As an Australian Vietnam Vet & serving alongside US military in Vietnam, '68-'69, I have just finished up in Iraq after working as a security contractor for the past 7 years & now back home in Thailand. I have recently had my memoirs published in New York & the book: RAZOR'S EDGE - A MEMOIR, is dedicated to all those that wear the uniform & also to all those men & women that have paid the supreme sacrifice. I will be doing a book signing / speaking tour in the US in Aug. '12 & hope to be visiting many of the military bases, hospitals, Vietnam Vet. Associations, Pentagon & in particular the ''WALL'' & Arlington. So many have paid so much for others to share the life they have today - As a Veteran, it's the least we can do & never to forget !

My time at Arlington was nice. We rode the Tourmobile and listened to the tour guide. We stopped at the Women's Memorial and added my Niece's name. Then we went to JFK's grave site. I found that to be crazy. I remember seeing this on TV and never did I ever expect to be standing there. Then we went around to watch the changing of the guards. Now that was very cool. The timing, the lines, the snap of the heels, all with a purpose. Then we also watched laying of a wreath. We saw the Challenger memorial and the tribute to the men who died to free the hostages in Iran. We saw Civil war head stones and one thing I did not know is that the wifes and children were buried there too. See you do learn something new on vacations. It worth the time and money spent for the tour. If you pay for two days at once it is cheaper and the second day they will take you to DC and tell you everything you ever wanted to know but was afraid to ask. lol

The Changing of the Guards ceremony was really nice to watch. If only people could keep crying children away - it is supposed to be silent.

This place is all about honor and service to country. Every American should see it at least once in their lifetime. You cannot experience it and walk away without a lump in your throat.

I have several relatives who are buried in the cemetery. I visited on Memorial Day with family. We have a map that leads us to one uncle's grave. It was amazing that we could find it so easily. The number system used is fantastic. Seeing my uncle's name on one of the tombs was a very emotional time for me. I had not been for many years and it was just beautiful to see all the people honoring their loved ones or just touring and appreciating those who were buried there. Coming here will affect everyone in a different way but you will leave with a greater appreciation for all those who have fought to preserve our country. God bless and be sure not to miss this moving experience.......

I am a repeat visitor to Arlington Cemetery, having taken the tour several times, and visiting most recently just to walk around and reflect. Whatever your preference, Arlington should definitely be on your itinerary if you are traveling in the DC/Virginia area.

This was one of the best sites that I visited while on my trip to DC. It is in a great location and there is so much history in that little plot of land. I have only seen images of the cemetary on TV and it made it even more exciting to see in person. The changing of the guard ceremony was unbelieveable. Again, seeing it on TV is nothing like watching it in person. I learned quite a bit from being there for a few hours and it would actually be a great learning tool for younger children. It would be a great place for people from other countries to get an idea of how our history started and how proud we are to be Americans.

Arlington was one of the first places I went to when I was in Washington DC. I was on a school trip and wasn't really looking forward to going, even though I had heard awesome things about it.I didn't really get the full effect until about half way through when we were on a hill and I looked out and really, as far as I could see were white headstones. I was there on Memorial Day Weekend and there were flags on all the headstones, and it really brought a true feeling of being a patriot to the atmosphere. Then we saw Kennedy's grave and the eternal flame. It was a total time of peace just walking through and thinking of all the brave men and women that were here and that they died for our freedom. The Changing of the Guard was unbelievable. It is by the Tomb of the Unknown Soldire. Every hour, the guards guarding the tomb cerimonally (I just made that word) change shifts. When I was there, I'm not sure if it is a regular thing, they played TAPS and it just sent shivers down my spine and I started crying. It really is an overwhelming feeling going there but it is a MUST if you are in DC. Just walking around and looking at all the headstones as far as you can see, literally, is breath taking.

I enjoyed visiting this and many other national monuments and attractions in DC because it put a real face on the many who fought and died for this country in war. It's one thing to read about it in the newspaper or history books, but to see it in reality, up close and personal, was very moving. I think every American child visit Washington DC and visit the monuments and memorials.

The Changing of the Guard makes the Trip to Arlington worthwhile. The change occurs on the hour and is something everyone should not miss. It is absolutely a show of dedication and honor.