22 Jul - US Marine Corps War Memorial, Arlington National Cemetery, US Air Force Memorial

 

Today we drive to Arlington National Cemetery, stopping by the US Marine Corps Memorial first.  We have been here before but it deserves another visit.  Y'all have probably heard me tell of my father Lefty and his brother (my uncle) Bernard who both served in the Marine Corps during World War II.  So the Marine Corps has a special place in my heart.

The famous combat cameraman that took the iconic photo on Mount Suribachi, Iwo Jima.  My father and uncle fought fiercely on Iwo Jima 19 Feb to16 Mar 1945 but they were not near Mount Suribachi.

We then drove west into Fort Myer, the military installation on the back side of the cemetery.  With our retired military ID cards we were able to drive on post, park near the Old Chapel, and walk off post directly into Arlington National Cemetery.  

The Old Chapel - beautiful facility.

The pedestrian gate from Fort Myer into Arlington.

It was a very nice, peaceful walk as we headed for the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.  The 624 acre cemetery is very quiet for the most part.  It is a beautiful place, almost overwhelming place if you think about what surrounds you.  Over 400,000 Veterans, spouses, dignitaries, Presidents, 4000 former slaves, and on and on with the first burial in 1864. 

Before long we arrived at the Memorial Amphitheater and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. 

Since 6 Apr 1948, the Tomb has been guarded every minute of every day, 365 days per year with no exceptions.   We walked up to the public area on the steps above the tomb to watch the changing of the guard.  During the summer months it occurs every 30 minutes.  Here are some pictures before the ceremony.  

It is an extreme honor to volunteer for this special duty.  It requires dedication, professionalism, physical fitness, and attention to detail beyond description.  The Sentinals candidates undergo a daily inspection of their living quarters and a "fine tooth comb" inspection of their uniforms.  Their movements are precise as their motto goes:  "My standard will remain perfection."

I video'd the actual ceremony but will not post it here as it is just shy of 1gb.  Instead, here are a few pictures and a link to a You Tube video of the weapon and Sentinal inspection.  

Changing of the Guard Weapon Inspection

It is so impressive to see their ultra-precise movements.  I have so much respect for the dedication of these young Soldiers to volunteer for this duty.

After the ceremony we departed the area and made our way down to Section 12  to find grave# 2514.  Do you remember the gentleman we visited south of Fayetteville back on 18 June?  If not you might want to visit that blog post and read it.  The bracelet I returned to Mr Norman Maultsby was worn by his uncle,  the brave Marine in this grave.  1Lt Jefferson Woodrow Maultsby, USMC.  He was killed in action on 27 Jun 1944 on the south Pacific island of Saipan fighting the Japanese, right along side my father.  They were both in the same unit.  My father brought his bracelet back and I got it returned to the family.  I told Norman Maultsby we were coming to Washington DC and planned to visit Arlington and the grave of his uncle.  

We visited a few other notable graves and monuments in Arlington including that of the USS Maine

We also visited three monuments that honor the Space Shuttles crews that gave their lives.

There is so much more to see here, but we were short on time and wanted to stop by the Air Force Memorial on our way back, so we headed back to the gate at Ft Myer where we were parked.  There was a Caisson attached to a team of horses and an Honor Guard team readying for a ceremony.

Next stop was the Air Force Memorial, and we were one of the only ones there, which was nice. I have a special place in my heart for this place also!   We've seen this from a distance and at night illuminated, but had not had the opportunity to stop here before.

The Air Force Medal of Honor Airmen

Namesake of the active duty base I was assigned in Maine.

Chief Etchberger was in communications and was killed in action during the battle of Lima Site 85 in Vietnam

Col George "Bud" Day was pilot from Sioux City and a POW

A1C Levitow was a loadmaster on an AC-47 gunship during Vietnam who saved the entire crew through his heroic actions

TSgt Chapman was an Air Force Combat Controller who was killed in action in Afghanistan during the Battle of Takur Ghar.

USAF Honor Guard - much respect.

That was our day.  We came back to the campground through incredible traffic, but we made it.  Doreen broke a cap off a tooth so we are in contact with our dentist back home about that.  Tomorrow is a down day as far as touring.  I have an 0700 hrs appointment at a truck tire shop for a slow leak in my left inner dually.  Fun!