Memorial Day is a U.S. federal holiday that is observed on the last Monday of May. It was developed to commemorate American soldiers who past away while serving in the armed forces. Memorial Day weekend is an opportunity to visit a host of memorials and cemetaries that are dedicated to the nation’s history. The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier located at Arlington National Cemetery (Virginia) is the perfect spot to observe this history along with the changing of the guard. It is also near the attractions of Washington D.C.
Follow this photographic journey into the ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier:
Soldier on Guard © Gennaro Salamone
The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier pays respect to the remains of unidentified soliders. Tombs of this ilk are found throughout the world. The Tomb at Arlington National Cemetary is guarded 24 hours per day, 365 days per year by specially trained member of the 3rd U.S. Infantry.
Changing of the Guard + Tomb of the Unknown Soldier © Gennaro Salamone
The changing of the guard is popular among tourists. The ceremony itself is highly regimented. It provided visitors with a view of the formality of the armed services along with an idea about the seriousness in which the soldiers take their service in relation to guarding the Tomb.
Graves © Gennaro Salamone
Together with the happening at the Tomb of the Unknown Solider, visitors have an chance to walk around Arlington National Cemetary viewing the tombstones and graves of more than 300,000 people dating back to the American Revolution.
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Gennaro Salamone is the founder and editor of Enduring Wanderlust. Feel free to contact him with questions, comments, or inquiries with reference to contributing a travel article or photograph for publication.
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John H
I’ve been to Arlington a few times and the changing of the guard is a must see. Love the your photos especially the close ups of the soldiers.
Missy
These soldiers look very intense. Haven’t been to the one in Arlington National Cemetary. Will check it out next time I’ll in Washinton D.C. on a trip. I have seen a few of the cermonies abroad though. Fascinating.
Great shots of the soldiers.
Gennaro
@John H
As a history lover, I always stop over on my trips to D.C.
@Missy
Lots of countries have Tombs of the Unknown. The ceremonies are fairly similar.
Alik Levin | PracticeThis.com
It is good coverage from your side on such important theme. I always appreciated the diversity of materials you publish.
J.D. Meier
Great pictures and walkthrough.
I haven’t been to Arlington Cemetery in a long time. It’s a sobering experience, but I’d like to walk through again.
Sire
Obviously I have never been there but I feel that your Memorial Day Weekend must be similar to our Anzac Day where we remember all the soldiers who gave their lives so that we could have the opportunity to enjoy ours. It is also a national holiday, one that we used to celebrate on a Monday, but then someone suggested we should do so on the actual day, which was cool until this year when it fell on a Saturday and there were those who winged at the loss of a holiday.
Gennaro
@Alik Levin
An important theme, indeed.
@J.D. Meier
It is a sobering experience going through there.
@Sire
Similar to Anzac Day. I visited the area of Turkey dedicated to Anzac a few years ago @Gallipoli.
Sire
yeah, that site at Gallipoli is almost like sacred ground. Many Aussies go there as a type of pilgrimage. Who knows one day I may be one of them.
Linda @ Lime in the Coconut
Thanks for bringing back to where it should be!
Happy memorial day to you!
Gennaro
@Sire
Met quite a few Aussies there.
@Linda
And to you.
Andrew
Gennaro,
Although I was not previously aware of the concept of tombs for unidentified soldiers, it sounds like a very important concept.
Those who died in the war are by no means any less important simply because they are not able to be identified, and it is important that all soldiers who die in wars are honored, regardless of whether or not their identification is possible.
Melissa
Thank you for sharing this. We’re inundated with messages about Memorial Day sales, picnics, and the start of summer–but it’s important to remember the reason for the holiday.
Gennaro
@Andrew
I’m sure it’s greay for the families of those soldiers. Knowing there is something for their kids who served, but were not found.
@Melissa
Sometimes we forget the meaning behind the various holidays. Nice to reflect back on the original intent.
angie
what a fitting tribute thanks for sharing
Charlotte
The one thing that I didn’t post on my blog was a post about the “Tomb of the Unknown” solider in Arlington. Great pictures and a very fitting tribute. My Dad is a retired Major in the Army and Memorial Day has always been about honoring and remembering family members who have served this country proudly. Thanks go out to all our vets here in the United States and around the world!
Gennaro
@angie @Charlotte
Arlington is always worth a visit. The changing of the guard is particularly interesting to view. The reverence is clear.
jen laceda
Hi Gennaro,
I haven’t heard from you (post wise) lately. Are you ok or have you just been really busy? Well, ok, just catching up with you!
Jen
gabriele
Very very professional photography on memorial day. So sorry for all Americans who lost loved ones and still are by USA military involvement…
Gabriele
Thomas
Fabulous memorial day series, that closeup portrait of the soldier has stunning details of both the subject and the gun on his shoulder. Beautiful
conor
Its so sad that this soldier was laid to rest without a name, he has family somewhere that dont know where he is. I have all the respect in the world for he/she and all the soldiers alike.
Gennaro
@gabriele – Appreciate it.
@Thomas Thanks.
@conor – Very true.