More Sightseeing

Facts about Arlington Cemetery:

•  Averages twenty-eight funerals everday
• More than 300,000 people are buried here
• Veterans from all the nations wars (from the American Revolution onwards) are buried here

 "When we assumed the soldier we did not lay aside the citizen." -George Washington

Arlington Cemetery is huge.  Like massively, properly, beyond impressively huge. Ever inch of which, it seems, has a headstone paying homage to a fallen soldier. The sheer number of fallen Americans is shocking; and to think, this does not even begin to cover all of the lost military men and women (let alone the injured).

 I did not expect to see tombstones for soldier's wives and children, it was amazing how many babies were buried besides their parents. Many did not even long enough to be named, their tombstones simply read 'Infant.'

 The Kennedys

I didn't quite get this dollar sign on this head stone, does it mean something I don't understand or is this from Monopoly?

 Amphitheater in front of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

 German tourists going up the stairs, seemed like a Kodak (but actually Nikon) moment at the time.

 I twisted my ankle on these darn steps. My life flashed before my eyes. I thought I was going to kick it at Arlington Cemetery. That would be ironic, do you think they would let me buried there under these circumstances?

 No idea why but there were a ton of official looking helicopters out today. Man, they are noisy!

 I've witnessed changing of the guards in several different countries and I have to say this ceremony is by far the most unique. While other guards (ahem Buckingham Palace) make it a point to ignore people, these soldiers spoke to the gathering audience when it was time to assemble, requesting everyone to stand in order to give the moment the honor it deserved.

 They did a lot of heel clicking a la Dorthy in the Wizard of Oz.

 See where the sidewalk has turned bronze? It's worn down from the constant walking and foot clacking (Sure there is probably a better word that foot clacking, but sounds fun to me).

 Tomfoolery with firearms.

 Bench dedicated to veterans of the Korean War

 On some level I felt that all of the soldiers buried here are unknown soldiers. Sure there is a name on their tombstone, but who really leaves knowing anything about them, what they and their family sacrificed for the country? Each tombstone represents a person who was loved, somebody with a family-how did they feel when they enlisted, proud? Sad? Hopeful?

 I would have liked to see some sort of directory which could offer biographies on some some of the soldiers buried here, anything which would give a glimpse into the soldier beyond their name engraved small and simply on a marble headstone.

For a few minutes I thought I was going to have to live my life out in Arlington Cemetery, it's just so big! So needless to say I was relived to see this sign.

Food for thought:

 

 After walking back from Arlington Cemetery I ended by the Smithsonian Metro (not to shabby eh?)

 There was a little farmers market sponsored by the United States Department of Agriculture going down by the Smithsonian.

This kettle-corn smelt amazing! This stand had the longest line, and a sign that said you were out of luck if you couldn't make it before 1:00 because they will be out by then.

How great is her dress?!

 Waahhh, what an unlucky popsicle :( Honesty Circle: I was so hot, sweaty and thirsty by time I walked past this popsicle I briefly fantasized about getting down on all fours and licking the cherry-flavored puddle. I resisted, it was hard.

 Some lovin' by the Washington Monument. Side note- I witnessed a group of people planking by the monument, I really just don't get it. Why would you want to put your face where a thousand-million people have walked before you? Also, you look like an idiot.

 This guy had an iron-man shirt on and the strongest calves I've ever seen. This man could seriously arm wrestle Fabio with those calves and come out on top. I tip my hat to him.

Just so you don't forgot those face behind the text- What I wore today.

 Now if you'll excuse me, I have a date with a mushroom burger from Shake Shack. Their cheese-fries have just revolutionized my life.