Sunday, on the way back from Pennsylvania, Matt and I stopped to spend a few hours at Arlington National Cemetary, or, as they called it, “Our Nation’s Most Sacred Shrine”.

I couldn’t agree more.

We stopped there purely on a whim. We had gone to Pennsylvania for the weekend to visit some friends, and on the way back decided on impulse to see Arlington. I’ve wanted to go for longer than I can remember, and so we stopped. The first thing I realized was how incredibly huge it was. For those who have never been, I’m sure you always think of it as being a large, vast cemetary, but the size of it literally amazes you. We walked around for about two hours, and maybe saw 1/100th of the place. Everywhere you look, you see the tombstones of the brave men and women who served our country. We got there just as the Changing of the Guard was taking place at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, and so we missed seeing that, although of course we saw the tomb itself.

As we walked in, Matt teared up a little almost right away, as did I. It hits you like a bus when you first see it — at least for patriotic people like the two of us. Perhaps I’m being too picky, but I was a little bothered at how many people were running around, laughing, smiling. I just wanted to stop them and remind them that this is a sacred, solemn place. Not to be a killjoy or anything, and it was my first visit, but I just felt that the tombs of the brave deserved respect, not frolicking fun. But who knows? Maybe I need to lighten up.

We stopped and saw JFK’s grave, along with RFK’s. Somehow, I missed Ted Kennedy’s. I just don’t know how I couldn’t find it, but I just couldn’t.

Seeing the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier was an emotional experience, even without seeing the Changing of the Guard. This was the one area I noticed where everyone, even children, were completely solemn and respectful. We also tried to find the gravesite of one of the Marines Matt went to SOI with that is buried there, but were unsuccessful.

All in all, seeing Arlington National Cemetary was an incredible experience. If you’ve never been, I suggest you go as soon as possible. I strongly feel that all Americans should see it — if for no other reason than to remind them of the cost of freedom and how dear it really is. The best among us are buried at Arlington, and rest there now so that we can be free. We need to remember that, and seeing Arlington in person is the best reminder.

If you’d like to see pictures, they’re below the jump.