Arlington National Cemetery Research Paper

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Pages: 7

ARLINGTON NATIONAL CEMETERY

Above the west entrance of the Memorial Amphitheater on the grounds of Arlington National Cemetery, one finds a quote from Horace’s Ode III which translated reads: “It is sweet and fitting to die for one’s country ”(“Memorial Amphitheater”). The Arlington estate, on the banks of the Potomac River, has many qualities that make it an ideal cemetery. Its lightly rolling hills with views of the Capitol Building, Washington Monument, and Lincoln Memorial make it a majestic final resting place (Ashabranner, 6). Its beauty stretches over 624 acres of cleanly kept lawns and shrubs (Arlington National Cemetery, enc.). On the estate lay over 300,000 valiant men and women, including 2 U.S. Presidents, 11 Supreme Court justices, and 16 astronauts. Along with the innumerable rows of white grave markers, more than two dozen structures and 150 trees pay tribute to those resting there (Atkinson, 39). The history of Arlington National Cemetery greatly influenced America, and it continues to impact people’s lives in modern day.
Before the Civil
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They exemplify John 15:13, “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friend” (Holy Bible). Sometimes many attend the burials and sometimes few. Many come and visit their loved one’s graves daily, whether out of respect or loss. The mourning can last for days or years (Ashabranner, Chapter 4), but all deserve one simple thing from all the people they have protected and helped: their respect. Family members and patriots visit the grave sites every Easter, Memorial Day, and Veterans Day. They come to give their respect to all servicemen who have left us. Soldiers, sailors, airmen, and Marines all stand at attention out of sincere respect (Atkinson, 107). As George W. Bush said, “Their sacrifice was great, but not in vain.