A R L I N G T O N N A T I O N A L C E M E T E R Y
Arlington, Virginia

"Now the trumpet summons us again�not as a call to bear arms, though arms we need; not as a call to battle, though embattled we are�but a call to bear the burden of a long twilight struggle, year in and year out, "rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation"�a struggle against the common enemies of man: tyranny, poverty, disease, and war itself."

"Let every nation know, whether it wishes us well or ill, that we shall pay any price, bear any burden, meet any hardship, support any friend, oppose any foe, in order to assure the survival and the success of liberty."

"We dare not forget today that we are the heirs of that first revolution. Let the word go forth from this time and place, to friend and foe alike, that the torch has been passed to a new generation of Americans."

Realizing I only have 15 minutes before the cemetery closes, I beat-feet to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldiers, my tour's second and last destination.

On my way I pass by more gravesites. Inspite of all my rushing around, I do notice this is a truly a quiet and peaceful place, certainly a good space for both rest and reflection. The dead here cannot talk for themselves, however, the folks responsible for the care and feeding of this hallowed ground speak for them, with their well-maintained grounds, their well-planned burial ceremonies, and with their grand attention to facility detail and surviving family services.

I notice most of the markers in this section of the cemetery are rather large. Here you'll find buried Admirals, Colonels, basically those military personnel who had attained heighted military rankings.