Arlington National Cemetery, the most sacred resting place for American military and their families in the United States. Situated on land originally owned by the Custis Family, and wife of General Robert E. Lee, that was seized by the Union army during the American Civil War. In 1864, with the Union dead needing a final resting place, the Union generals found it fitting to use the land where General Robert E. Lee used to live for their cemetery.
With 624 acres, those souls who dedicated their lives to U.S. military service in both war and peacetime are eligible to have their final rest in this historic cemetery. Veterans and soldiers taken down in battle are at rest here. Whether it be from the American Civil War or from military actions in Afghanistan or Iraq.
Today we are to honor a noble veteran who provided a lifetime of service to the military. With a high rank, a full military honors ceremony was served for this deserving soul. Beginning with the family walking behind the elegantly matched black six-horse Caisson, soldiers stood at attention showing their respect. The casket draped with the American Flag, the remains of the veteran was carried for the final time above the earth.
Arrival to the burial site with soldiers crisply and sharply moving with intense honor, the veteran’s remains are removed from the casket to be placed at the burial site.
A military band stood and played music appropriate to the veteran’s religious beliefs. Even though a solemn event, this service is all about honor.
Eight soldiers stand at attention throughout the religious service, holding the American flag that covered the casket high above the remains of the veteran. Following the service, the flag is folded with exact precision and timing and given to the family as a remembrance.
Completing the ceremony, the firing party of seven armed solders are called to attention. They fire off a three round volley, simulating the 21-gun salute.
At long last, the veteran remains with one stoic soldier
Who gives one final salute
All that is left to remain is the veteran in his final resting place in Arlington National Cemetery.
The magical moment during the ceremony? A Red Tail Hawk crying above symbolizing the flying spirit of this fallen soldier.
Categories: history, travel, Washington DC
Emily Carter ~ Nature as Art 
Such a great story and wonderful photos from a day to honor the noble veterans… 😉
Thank you so much Drake. It truly was a very moving and honorable experience.
Beautiful summary and beautiful pictures! The magical moment gave me goosebumps.
I hope you don’t mind if I reblog your link to my reblog page?
Please do Judy…indeed, when hearing the hawk cry it gave me goosebumps then and even now.
Thank you for you wonderful tribute! I wept…
Hi Rebecca ! I wept when I read your comment. You felt the emotion in this experience. I was so nervous about photographing the funeral I was shaking. Felt a little weird about it, so even though my pics are a little fuzzy I’m happy I captured the ceremony.
Love, love, love your post – Great Photos:) Thanks to the Veterans who serve our country!
Thank you so much Renee ! It is such a special event and a moment to be treasured for a lifetime.
This is such a great and very moving post, Emily. Your photos are wonderful.
You are too kind Sylvia. My pics are a little fuzzy as I was moving a bit during the ceremony. But what an amazing event. Have a lovely day!
You too, Emily.
What a lovely tribute… My grandparents were laid here, and we often visited.
Really? Which one served in the military? what did they do? I should go by and tell them hello for you. What a fascinating and moving place Arlington cemetery is.
My grandfather was a commanding officer on a destroyer in WWII, Pacific Theater… He was actually at Pearl Harbor. My grandmother was laid to rest there as well. (They lived in Arlington, not too far — we often went to the base.) But I have Army and Marines in my family as well…. The Cemetery is a sight that puts so much in perspective.
Wonderful and moving tribute. God bless those who serve and protect our country.
Thank you so much Phil. I truly appreciate your kind comments and faithful following. You truly are amazing how you keep up with all these comments.
Beyond words. Beyond beautiful. I have my father’s flag in the triangle shape.
That is truly honorable, and I’m sure you miss your father dearly. What service was he in?
Anchors Ahoy! Go Navy!
When I was in Arlington in May 2012, I saw a procession go by….
Great post to honor our veterans! I can only imagine what that felt like when the hawk cried!
I got goosebumps. It was an eerily spiritual moment.
I eould like to use one or more of the photographs you have on our Wall of Honor. How do I go about getting access to copyrights so I can print them?
This should be simple enough if you would please send me an email at BellaRemyPhoto@aol.com and we can discuss further. Thank you! Emily