Vanessa's Vacations: Virginia

During our June visit to Washington D.C., we took a side trip to  Virginia where we only scratched the surface of what is offered there. Here are two must-see attractions during your visit. 

Arlington National Cemetery/Marine Corps War Memorial (Iwo Jima)

When you arrive at the cemetery, you can choose to tour on your own or take a shuttle throughout the cemetery. We opted for the shuttle. It takes you to the eternal flame and gravesite of President John F. Kennedy and his wife Jacqueline. Beside them is their son Patrick and an unnamed child the couple lost. Within walking distance are the grave sites of the President’s brothers, Robert and Edward (Teddy). 

Overlooking JFK is the home of Robert E. Lee; Confederate General during the Civil War. The shuttle will stop at this house and visitors can enter and tour inside. 

The final stop is at the changing of the guards at the Tomb of the Unknown Solider. This remarkable, solemn, symbolic ceremony makes you proud to be an American. It is very patriotic. It made me teary-eyed.

The Tomb is a white sarcophagus on top of the grave of the Unknown Solider of World War I, World War II and the Korean and Vietnam conflicts. The remains of the Vietnam unknown were exhumed May 14, 1998. Based on mitochondria DNA testing, scientists identified the remains as those of Air Force 1st Lt. Michael Joseph Blassie, who was shot down near An Loc, Vietnam in 1972. The crypt remains vacant.

The Tomb is guarded 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, regardless of the weather, by guard sentinels. The sentinels are volunteers who are considered the best of the elite 3rd U.S. Infantry, headquartered at Fort Meyer, Va. Every hour on the hour Oct. 1 through March 31, the guard is changed, From April 1 through Sept. 30, the change is every half-hour.

During the changing of the guard, there is a a white-gloved weapon check. The orders are passed on to the new sentinel. 

The Tomb Guard marches 21 steps down the black mat behind the Tomb, turns, faces east for 21 seconds, turns and faces north for 21 seconds, then takes 21 steps down the mat and repeats the process. After the turn, the sentinel executes a sharp "shoulder-arms" movement to place the weapon on the shoulder closest to the visitors to signify that the sentinel stands between the Tomb and any possible threat.

Twenty-one was chosen because it symbolizes the highest military honor that can be bestowed -- like the 21-gun salute.

While we were in attendance, there were two wreath layings and the playing of “Taps.” 

The Marine Corps War Memorial also known as Iwo Jima, is a military memorial statue dedicated to all personnel of the U.S. Marine Corps who have died in defense for their country since 1775. It is based on the iconic photo "Raising the Flag on Iwo Jima" taken during the Battle of Iwo Jima by AP photographer Joe Rosenthal.

While we were there, a squad of Marines was practicing formations for a graduation ceremony.

Mount Vernon

George Washington’s Mount Vernon Estate and Gardens is the most popular historic estate in America. Plan to spend a few hours touring.

The mansion has 21 rooms, several decorated in shades of green and blue. These colors were said to be Washington’s favorite. The dining room is a remarkable shade of green. Washington believed the color to be "grateful to the eye" and less likely than other colors to fade. He added an overcoat of glaze, which further intensified the color. 

In my opinion, he had good taste.

After touring the mansion, there are more than a dozen buildings, including the slave quarters, kitchen stables and greenhouses. There are four different gardens, a four-acre working farm that includes a re-creation of Washington’s 16-sided reading barn and a trail for hiking.

Both Washington and his wife Martha are laid to rest in the tomb where wreath-laying ceremonies are held daily. The Slave Memorial and Burial Ground is nearby.

The grounds also include a museum/education and orientation center. Both locations have short films and interesting information and artifacts on display. Washington’s sword was pretty remarkable and his teeth were awful. I bet of would have loved to put a little magic work into Washington’s teeth.