So, yesterday we went to Arlington Cemetary. This is the one spot that I have been wanting to see since planning this trip. My sister told me how amazing it was and so, I put this one on the agenda and the "To Do" for me. I was not disappointed in the least. It was amazing. I was so excited to see the Tomb of The Unknowns. This is a place dedicated to all those soldiers that do not have graves and we only found remains for; therefor not knowing who they were. The tomb was eracted many years ago and has since, always had a soldier that guards the tomb. Day and night 365 days a year, A soldier marches across this tomb. In the dead of winter at 4 in the morning, you will find a soldier that shows respect by marching up and down The Tomb of the Unknown. And, not just any soldier. They have to be a soldier from the 3rd infintry with a completely unblemished military record. They have to be a certain hight and body size. On top of it, their march is examined under close scrutinty and they have to pass an extensive test with a 95% or better in order to take a march that lasts 30 minutes. It is seen as a great honor and privlege to be a solider from this unit that gets to show homage to those lost in battle at such an amazing place. It was extremely humbling and chilling to witness the Changing of Guards Ceremony. Every half an hour, the huge clock sounds and a Ceremony is conducted where another soldier comes out to march. It was dead silent with hundred of people there witnessing this tradition of respect and dignity. I have never seen anything quite like it and the pride I had in my nation, at that moment, shined.
I also saw a lot of disrespect take place here. There signs placed everywhere that said things such as. "Please be quiet." "Remember, these are hallowed grounds. "Please respect those that rest here" "No running" etc. However, with such a huge crowds and so many tourist groups, this did not take place. There were so many Asian tourist groups and I don't think they quite understand the pride and significance I place like this offers and the kind of respect that an American might appreciate here. I may not know the details about how our country was formed, but I do know the price that was paid with these 360,000 plus soldiers, and I understand the respect they deserve.
I also saw the eternal flame at Kennedy's memorial. The flame never goes out and is always lit. And I saw the famous quote, "Ask not what your country can do for you but for what you can do for your country."
Our day did not stop there. Next we headed to Alexandria Old Town in Virginia. We ate at the best Thai restraunt. I had so Bamboo Ew something or another. It was amazing. I checked out an antique store there since I love antiques and they were so expensive, I quickly left. We went to the River and walked around. They have an amazing art square there where you can watch the artists work. Then, we scheduled a cruise to take up back to Georgetown. It was beautiful. When we got home, I went down to the restraunt while the other two girls swam. I met some great people and spent the evening with them. DOn't freak out, mom and dad, when I tell you that I took a cab with them to this great Italian restraunt. My friends went for seafood and I will not eat it so, my two new friends offered to let me come with them. They were super rich. One being a cardio surgeon. We had a great dinner, and they picked up the tab for everything. I had an amazing evening and only spent 5 dollars of my own money. Now that's what I call Grand! They got me back to my hotel safely and I struck up a convo with a couple from New York. They proceeded to talk about politics and I finally had to cut them off and just leave for the room. I was so tired. But, met lots of interesting people.
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