Memorial Day Weekend: Tomb of the Unknown Soldier

Memorial Day is a U.S. federal holiday that is observed on the last Monday of May. It was developed to commemorate American soldiers who past away while serving in the armed forces. Memorial Day weekend is an opportunity to visit a host of memorials and cemetaries that are dedicated to the nation’s history. The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier located at Arlington National Cemetery (Virginia) is the perfect spot to observe this history along with the changing of the guard. It is also near the attractions of Washington D.C.

Follow this photographic journey into the ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier:

Soldier on Guard © Gennaro Salamone

The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier pays respect to the remains of unidentified soliders. Tombs of this ilk are found throughout the world. The Tomb at Arlington National Cemetary is guarded 24 hours per day, 365 days per year by specially trained member of the 3rd U.S. Infantry.

Changing of the Guard + Tomb of the Unknown Soldier © Gennaro Salamone

The changing of the guard is popular among tourists. The ceremony itself is highly regimented. It provided visitors with a view of the formality of the armed servies along with an idea about the seriousness in which the soldier take their service in relation to guarding the Tomb.

Graves © Gennaro Salamone

Together with the happening at the Tomb of the Unknown Solider, visitors have an chance to walk around Arlington National Cemetary viewing the tombstones and graves of more than 300,000 people dating back to the American Revolution.

 
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Gennaro Salamone is the founder and editor of Enduring Wanderlust. Feel free to contact him with questions, comments, or inquiries with reference to contributing a travel article or photograph for publication.

 

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Washington D.C. Events Set for Obama Inauguration

A schedule of events (from Saturday, January 17 until Wednesday, January 21) has been released in connection with the inauguration of President-elect Barack Obama. The happenings start with the Obama family boarding a train from Philadelphia to Wilmington to pick up Vice President-elect Joe Biden en route to Washington D.C. and conclude with a prayer service at Washington National Cathedral. There are also a series of inaugural balls throughout the week.

Read about the 8 presidential inauguration locations to visit.
Barack Obama © Rusty Darbonne

Washington D.C. (Free PDF Map) has a multitude of activities for visitors who are attending the inauguration. Among the best attractions are the monuments and memorials, Capitol, White House, Arlington National Cemetery, and the Smithsonian Museums. There are also plenty of free things to do in the District of Columbia. To find some of the most popular and tasty restaurants try Where The Locals Eat.

Read about six historic estates of U.S. presidents or about the new rules for citizens who qualify for the visa waiver program.

 
___________________________________________________________________________________
Gennaro Salamone is the founder and editor of Enduring Wanderlust. Feel free to contact him with questions, comments, or inquiries with reference to contributing a travel article or photograph for publication.

 

Receive our free content by e-mail directly to your inbox or through an RSS reader.