Arlington National Cemetery is hallowed ground. Walking the hills takes energy, but not as much as those who lie under its earth. The METRO drops you off at the entrance. From there it is a walk uphill to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. The changing of the guard occurs every half hour and is a ritual not to be missed. The ritual reminds the visitor of all of the men and women who have given their lives for our freedom.

On the way are the graves of Joe Lewis, Chappie James, and William Byrd.

Behind the tomb and amphitheater are the tributes to the Challenger victims and the soldiers who gave their lives for the Iran hostages.

Up the road is the home of Robert E. Lee. Marrying into the family of Mary Anne Randolph Custis, the grand niece of George Washington, the home is more an memorial to Washington and the Custis family, than to Lee. Here, overlooking the Capital he so loved, he was torn between upholding his commission with the Union Army or taking up his sword in honor of his homeland, the Commonwealth of Virginia.

The Lees had a rich history in the cousinage of the Commonwealth and it was for homeland and family that he chose. Naturally the Union confiscated his land and began using it as a cemetery. When the war was over he complained that the graves were too close to the house and helped in the placement of them.

Directly below Arlington House is directly above the eternal flame at the gravesite of JFKennedy . Jackie and two of their children are buried with him. A short distance from there is his brother, Robert. The atmosphere of the cemetery is that of a pilgrimage to a sacred place. Perhaps, this cemetery is one of the most sacred in this country. The thousands of men and women, buried on these 1,500 acres are a reminder of the blood shed so that we have the rights, which we so dearly love and cherish.

John Pelley is a Geriatric Gypsy.  He is retired from the rat race of working.  He is a  full-time RVer, who ran away from home.  He began our travels on the East Coast and, like the migrating birds, seek the warmth of the seasons  He has discovered volunteering with the National Park System.  He has a CD he has recorded of Native American flute music., A Day with Kokopelli. For pictures, links, and more information visit http://www.jmpelley.org.
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