Another famous attraction because of its historical and national significance that is located in Arlington National Cemetery is the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. It is considered as the most iconic memorial in the cemetery. It was the next one that we checked after the gravesite of President John F. Kennedy.

Such a wow moment to see the building which is made of white marble. It is so beautiful!

It was also fascinating to watch this Tomb Guard’s routine march. And it was interesting to read and learned about the details of the march. I’ve included the excerpt of the article below but you can read the entire article here.

“The Guard marches 21 steps down the black mat behind the Tomb, turns and faces east for 21 seconds, turns and faces north for 21 seconds, and then takes 21 steps down the mat. Next, the Guard executes a sharp “shoulder-arms” movement to place his/her weapon on the shoulder closest to the visitors, signifying that he or she stands between the Tomb and any possible threat. The number 21 symbolizes the highest symbolic military honor that can be bestowed: the 21-gun salute.“

Visitors are asked to remain silent to show respect while visiting. Everyone was relatively quiet and respectful that time although I heard some teenagers giggling for a little bit.

The memorial is located on top of a hill overlooking Washington, D.C. It has an amazing view from up there.

Look at this beauty.

The amphitheater looked empty but there were actually quite a lot of people visiting that Friday afternoon.

We came across this on our way down. As Filipino, I’m very acquainted with the history of Corregidor and Bataan.

Corregidor, also known as the “Rock,” is an island located at the entrance into Manila Bay. It was there that General Douglas MacArthur intended to make his last stand, before being ordered by President Roosevelt to leave and go to Australia. It would not be good for MacArthur to be captured or killed by the Japanese because that would have been tragic which was not good for American morale at the beginning of WWII which had not began so well for the U.S. As for Bataan, that was where the infamous Death March took place after the island had to surrender.

I’d only got to see the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier on TV during wreath-laying ceremonies. It was such an amazing experience to finally see it in person.

More Washington, D.C. Posts:

• Things to See in Washington, D.C.
• A Historic Retreat at the Nation’s Capital
• What We Ate at the Hotel in D.C.
• Our Visit to Arlington National Cemetery
• President John F. Kennedy Gravesite