Arlington National Cemetery
Across the Potomac River in Arlington, Virginia; closest
Metro stop is Arlington Cemetery. April-Sept daily 8am-7pm; rest of
year daily 8am-5pm. Admission free. tel 703/695-3250,
The vast sea of identical white headstones on the hillsides of
Arlington National Cemetery is a poignant contrast to the
grand monuments of the capital. The country's most honored final
resting place was first used during the Civil War, when the grand
mansion at the top of the hill, and all the surrounding land,
belonged to Confederate leader Robert E. Lee . Nearly
200,000 US war dead lie here. Soldiers who died in world wars I and
II, Korea and Vietnam are buried in the Tomb of the Unknowns
. An eternal flame marks the grave of President John F.
Kennedy , near his brother Robert and next to his widow,
Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis. The gravesite of Pierre L'Enfant offers
a superb view over the Mall and the District that he designed. The
new Women in Military Service Memorial , by the main gate,
is one of several memorials to celebrated personnel.
Unless you have strong legs and lots of time, the best way to
see the vast cemetery is by Tourmobile, which leaves from the
visitor center at the entrance. You can also walk here from the
Lincoln Memorial across the Arlington Bridge
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