Arlington, Virginia

Focus on Arlington National Cemetery:  More than 3 million people visit Arlington each year, though 2020 will definitely be an exception. Not only is the cemetery closed, but the coronavirus has virtually shut down travel. That means the birds and wildlife will have it all to themselves. [2019]

Arlington, Virginia

Focus on Arlington National Cemetery:  "I could stay here forever," said President John F. Kennedy from this spot as he fixed his attention on the Washington Monument not long before he was assassinated in 1963. Today, his simple grave is flanked by First Lady Jackie Kennedy's and their infant son's. At the head of the grave is an eternal flame that was lit by the First Lady during his funeral. [2019]

Arlington, Virginia

Focus on Arlington National Cemetery:  The Tomb of the Unknown Solider is under constant vigilance in honor of all the men and women whose remains were never identified. The ceremony going on here is the changing of the guard. When the cemetery is open, it takes place every half hour in summer and every hour in winter. The sentries are drawn from the U.S. Army. Serving as an Honor Guard is one of the highest honors in military service. [2019]

Arlington, Virginia

Focus on Arlington National Cemetery:  Pierre Charles L'Enfamt was the immigrant who created the plan for the nation's capital. That plan is now on the memorial slab that marks L'Enfant's grave right outside Arlington House. It is a must-see sight for all cartophiles visiting the District of Columbia. Not only can you see the original plan, you can also look downhill and across the Potomac and and thereon to the city that took form first in the mind of the French-born military engineer who made himself useful in winning the American Revolution. If you are visiting, descend into the Metro at L'Enfant Plaza and take the Blue Line to the Arlington Cemetery Station. [2019]

Arlington, Virginia

Focus on Arlington National Cemetery: Arlington was one of 74 national cemeteries established during the Civil War. They were all born of necessity: so many men to bury and so many families in ruins financially, From 12,000 graves at the end of 1865, the numbers have increased to more than 400,000. The cemetery took its name from Arlington House, also known as the Custis-Lee Mansion (see it?). [2019]

Chattanooga, Tennessee

Twas the Week Before Christmas: The location is Chattanooga, so what would you expect in the middle of the national cemetery there? A Chattanooga Choo Choo, of course. Buried here are Medal of Honor recipients. They participated in the "Great Locomotive Chase" during the Civil War. Chattanooga National Cemetery. [2013]

Hampton, Virginia

Countries of the World ~ Canada:  People with the surname Canada do not have Canadian ancestry, but geese do! The family name Canada probably comes from our word "cane," as in those who gathered cane down by the river. The Canada goose, a.k.a., Branta canadensis, was named after the country of the great white north. N.B.: Do not say Canadian goose! Inexplicably, it's an emotionally-charged issue for some. Hampton National Cemetery. [2016]

Gettysburg, Pennsylvania

Singling Out Historical Events:  The most famous speech in American history was delivered at a cemetery. Many of us learned to recite it word for word in school. Now, near the place where it was delivered, a historical marker commemorates the event. Gettysburg National Cemetery. [2006]

Chattanooga, Tennessee

Christmas Comes to the Graveyard:  In military service, it's all about conforming to standards. It's no different in military graveyards. Even Christmas wreaths are standard-issue evergreen circles bedecked by standard-issue red ribbons. Chattanooga National Cemetery. [2013]

Beaufort, South Carolina

Emblems of Belief:  Indigenous religions are alive and well across the continent, and the Native American Church of North America is the most widespread of all. You recognize the tee-pee on their insignia. Do you recognize what's on top? A collection of psychoactive peyote buttons, the focus of the church's chief sacrament. Beaufort National Cemetery. [2008]

Native American Church of North America
USVA Emblem No. 12
Source: USVA/Wikipedia

Beaufort, South Carolina

Emblems of Belief:  A wheel with eight spokes symbolizes Buddhism's Noble Eightfold Path, a set of principles that uphold the stability and harmony of the universe. It's called the Wheel of Dharma or the Wheel of Life. Over a million Americans are Buddhists. Beaufort National Cemetery. [2008]

 

Wheel of Dharma
USVA Emblem No. 2
Source: USVA/Wikipedia

Beaufort, South Carolina

Emblems of Belief:  The 'crescent and star' has deep roots in Near Eastern culture, but recent roots as a symbol of Islam. When you see the emblem on a flag or minaret, the crescent is almost never tilted downward. As a part of the cemetery landscape, however, the waning moon finds it fitting to bow in honor of the dead. Beaufort National Cemetery. [2008]

Crescent and Star
USVA Emblem No. 17
Source: USVA/Wikipedia

Beaufort, South Carolina

Emblems of Belief:  The 6-pointed Star of David is one of the symbols that may be chosen by Jewish veterans for their headstones. Only a few national cemeteries have consecrated Jewish sections, so the Magen David is typically seen strewn among crosses. Beaufort National Cemetery. [2008]

 

Star of David
USVA Eblem No. 3
Source: USVA/Wikipedia

Beaufort, South Carolina

Emblems of Belief:  The Department of Veterans Affairs limits what may be shown on national cemetery headstones. Those who choose to have an emblem of belief must select from an official list. Standardization is the military way. The Latin Cross on this memorial marks the grave of a Christian soldier who served in Vietnam. Beaufort National Cemetery. [2008]

Christian Cross
USVA Emblem No. 1
Source:  USVA/Wikipedia