Memorial Day and Some History about Arlington National Cemetery

There is a place filled with haunting beauty, yet deep sadness and sorrow causing tears to flow. It is the final resting place for many of our military men and women, some having given the ultimate sacrifice – the loss of their life during times of war.

This hallowed ground is Arlington National Cemetery located in Arlington, Virginia. More than 250,000 military graves stretch across 624 acres of rolling green hills, dotted with trees - some being several hundred years old. It is a tribute to the service and sacrific of our military men and women.

Originally, the Arlington house was built as a memorial to George Washington by George Washington Parke Custis. Custis was the adopted grandson of our first president. Custis had one child, Mary Anna Randolph Custis. Mary Anna married Robert E. Lee, future commander of the Confederate Army. Some have thought Lee owed the property, but under the will of George Washington Parke Custis, Mary Anna had the right to live and control the house for the rest of her life. Upon her death, Custis' will stated control would pass to Mary Anna and Robert's eldest son - George Washington Custis Lee.

In 1861, just weeks after the beginning of the Civil War, General Lee wrote to his wife. He expressed his desire for her to move for her safety. Mary Anna did not want to leave her beloved Arlington house, but did so for her well-being.

The federal government levied taxes against the Arlington estate, stating they had to be paid in person. Mary Anna could not possibly pay the taxes in person, because of her husband's position in the Confederate Army. The property was seized by the federal government. On January 11, 1864, the property was offered for public sale, being purchased by a tax commissioner for “government use”.

The Arlington propery become a military cemetery. On June 15, 1864, Arlington National Cemetery was established by Brigadier General Montgomery C. Meigs of the Union Army. Under Meigs' orders, the first monument was built using stone and masonry, and was the final resting place for 1,800 Bull Run Union casualties.

When the Civil War ended, neither Lee or Mary Anna tried to recover possession of the Arlington property. After General Lee died in 1870, George Washington Custis Lee, eldest son of Mary Anna and Robert E. Lee, brought legal action, stating the land had been illegally confiscated. In December 1882, the U. S. Supreme Court ruled in favor of Custis Lee, returning to him the property rights. Just a few months later, congress purchased the property from Custis Lee for $150, 000.

The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, also called the Tomb of the Unknowns, is a part of Arlington. It is located on a hill with Washington D.C. in view. Two Union soldiers, their identity unknown, were the first Unknowns buried at Arlington. Now there are nearly 5,000 Unknown Soldiers buried in Arlington National Cemetery. Seven words are carved on the Tomb: “Here rests in honored glory an American soldier known but to God.”

The Tomb of the Unknowns is guarded 24 hours a day, 365 days a year - rain, sleet, snow or shine. The sentinels change guard every hour on the hour during the winter. In the summer, the changing of the guard is every half hour during the daytime, and every hour on the hour throughout the night. The elite members of the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment are the Tomb Guard sentinels; and they are all volunteers.

Each potential volunteer must meet the height requirements of 5 feet 10 inches to 6 feet 4 inches tall, and have a flawless military record. They are required to memorize the Arlington National Cemetery history and the location of 300 graves. Further training is required to learn the “walk”, which contain a certain number of steps in between specific actions. Training is difficult, with various testing phases, only the best of the best will pass. Those who endure and pass will be ceremonially qualified, earning the right to wear the Silver Tomb Guard Identification Badge.

There are over 27 funerals services performed each day. Full military funeral honors are given to those military members who have died as a result of the wounds they received from enemy action.

Times of war to maintain freedom causes blood to be shed, ultimately causing tears to be shed. Those military members who survive their wounds as a result of enemy action, come home, make adjustments, and live with the consequences of their wounds. Those who pay the most cherished price for our freedom - giving their lives, come home in a casket draped with the American Flag. Arlington National Cemetery becomes the final resting place for some of those precious givers of their life to keep American free. We need to be grateful to them, for their family's loss, and finally for our freedom, because freedom is not free.

On this Memorial Day, I think of my father, who passed away far too young, and who served honorably in the Air Force. It is his footsteps I followed by serving honorably as well. I also think about my Uncle Jim and my cousin Jim, who served honorably, and thankfully are still walking this Earth.