We spent one afternoon with Brian going to the Vet’s Hospital and delivered some books the Library had donated. While we were nearby we stopped in to visit the Basilica. What a beautiful place.
The above picture is looking up at one of the domes. This is all mosaic tiles and beautiful gold colors.
The main dome and in the distance some of the ante rooms that are also smaller chapels.
A sample of just one of the picture mosaics.
Above is one of the alcove mosaics with inspirational verse. Below is a close up of the intricate placement and colors of the tiles. Beautiful.
We took a break for a day, while it rained! As soon as we knew we were in for a nice day we took the Metrorail out to the Arlington National Cemetery. The train stop is just a 5 minute walk to the visitor center, where we caught a tram ride through out the cemetery.
This is the view of the cemetery as we were walking to the visitor center. The pilloried building in the back is the Custis-Lee Home.
John F. Kennedy’s grave and eternal flame.
Robert Kennedy’s grave and the only wooden cross in the cemetery
The grave site of Audie Murphy. The most decorated soldier of World War II.
This is the amphitheater by the tomb of the Unknown Soldier. On Memorial Day the President gives a speech here every year.
We were able to view the changing of the guard while we were visiting the grave of the Unknown Soldier.
The Unknown Soldier’s grave with the memorial wreath.
A closer look at the Custis-Lee Home.
The view from the porch of the Custis-Lee Home. This home was owned by Robert E. Lee who married George Washington’s great granddaughter Miss Custis. When the Civil War broke out and Lee chose the Confederate side, the home was taken over by the Union. It was used as a hospital and then was used as a burial ground for Union Soldiers.
There are over 300,000 soldiers buried at Arlington. Every where you look are gravestones. Above is just a small sample. It is a very beautiful and peaceful resting place.
1 comment:
Many years ago Pam and I went to Arlington Cemetary and watched the changing of the guard at the tomb of the unknowns. What an awesome, humbling experience. There is so much to see and do in that city. You're lucky to be able to spend so much time to enjoy DC and experience the history of our nation firsthand. Take care and we love you guys, Rick and Pam
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