Arlington Respects

A baking hot day again as the thermometer hit 102. You cannot beat an open top bus tour around a city and this was our third in the last couple of months after Budapest and New York. Today's adventure took us over the Potomac River and to Arlington Military Cemetery. It was very thought provoking seeing thousands upon thousands of gravestones of men and women who sacrificed their lives in war. Amongst these were the Kennedy family surrounding JFK (he had a military background) and the eternal flame. A little further up (we walked for over three miles) was the Tomb of the Unknown Solider whereby there are three slabs in front of a much larger stone with the words inscribed

"Here rests in honored glory an American soldier known but to God"

The point being is that this area, guarded by a solider - who changes every half hour - 24hrs a day, 365 days, honours those American soldiers that lost their lives in both World Wars and in Korea and Vietnam but never made it home due to death or capture. A very poignant and respectful afternoon, particular when we witnessed the start of a navy funeral a little further down the path, and though words such as 'good' or 'fun' would be wrong it's very interesting and well worth a visit. As Arlington is on high ground there are incredible views across the city and the various landmarks.

Looking forward to it pouring down with rain tonight (I may just run out in in my swimmers) then going to run round DC first thing. Going to be slightly more interesting then Southbury Road..

We leave Washington tomorrow to head into the Blue Ridge Mountains and I'm very much looking forward to singing a John Denver song all day...