Exploring Arlington National Cemetery
Your Northern VA charter bus trip won’t be complete without a visit to Arlington National Cemetery. Just a short drive from the D.C. area, Arlington National Cemetery is worth at least a couple of hours of your time. Whether you want to visit so that you can find a gravestone or to simply explore the grounds, you may find the following information about what you can see at Arlington National Cemetery helpful.
The Grounds
The grounds at the Arlington National Cemetery are beautiful, varied, and large enough to be explored for hours on end. With 624 acres of rolling green hills and over 8,500 magnificent trees, the Arlington National Cemetery’s grounds serve as a living memorial to those who have served the nation. Be sure that you include some time for simply enjoying the grounds themselves on your trip.
The Changing of the Guard
The changing of the guards is an impressive ritual involving uniformed commanders that takes place every hour or half-hour, depending on the season. The guards are required to train on their days off to ensure the ritual honors fallen service members to the fullest possible degree. Check the schedule when you arrive to make sure you get a chance to see this ceremony.
The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier
The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington Cemetery stands on a hill overlooking Washington, D.C. In 1921, an unidentified American soldier from World War I was buried in the new Memorial Amphitheater plaza. You can see a white marble sarcophagus above his grave.
Monuments and Memorials
There are dozens of other monuments and memorials that receive thousands of visitors each year. In addition to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, Arlington National Cemetery holds the Space Shuttle Challenger Memorial, the Spanish-American War Memorial, the McClellan Gate, Civil War Unknowns Monument, and more.
If you will be visiting Washington, D.C. soon, contact Haymarket Transportation for all of your transportation needs. We offer standard and personalized bus tours in D.C., motor coach rentals, and more. Call us at 301-778-2007 or visit our website for additional information.