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Free Things to Do in DC- Honoring our Veterans

Our first day in DC we covered A LOT of ground. We’re talking lots of miles but it was well worth it.

Arlington National Cemetery Washington DC

We started at Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia.

Arlington National Cemetery Washington DC

The cemetery is really large and has so much history to take in.

Arlington National Cemetery Washington DC

Every life represented had a story to tell and deserves respect.

Arlington National Cemetery Washington DC

As you tour the cemetery, you can see the Pentagon and the Washington Monument in the distance from different angles of the cemetery.

Arlington National Cemetery Washington DC

Some of the highlights for us were the John F Kennedy burial site and watching the changing of the guard at the Tomb Of The Unknown Soldier.

Arlington National Cemetery Washington DC
Arlington National Cemetery Washington DC Tomb of Unknown Soldier

The changing of the guard happens every hour, on the hour. The ceremony is filled with so much honor and tradition.

Arlington National Cemetery Washington DC Tomb of Unknown Soldier

You can learn more about it here. This is something you want to make sure you see.

Arlington National Cemetery Washington DC Tomb of Unknown Soldier

It was extremely humbling to be surrounded by reminders of so many who sacrificed their lives for our freedom.

Arlington National Cemetery Washington DC Tomb of Unknown Soldier

We left our vehicle in the parking lot and walked across the bridge to the Lincoln Memorial.

Lincoln Memorial Washington DC

The architecture was amazing! So much detail and such a testimony of the craftsmanship that was built to last.

Lincoln Memorial Washington DC

The day we went the area was busy with tourist in every direction.  I’m sure that is the case most days. Which makes for pictures with random guys in the background.

Lincoln Memorial Washington DC

The statue of Lincoln was so regal and I loved reading his inspiring quotes on the wall.

Lincoln Memorial Washington DC

The views from the top gave a great view of the city to take in. The ground level of the memorial also had a museum about Lincoln.  Lincoln was so respected that other countries have even used his face on their currency.

Lincoln Memorial Washington DC

We headed toward the Washington monument next after taking a few pics.

Lincoln Memorial Washington DC

At the end of the reflection pool is the WW2 Memorial.

World War 2 Memorial Washington DC

This was one of my favorites because of the energy and emotion you got to watch first hand as veterans were experiencing the memorial for the first time.

World War 2 Memorial Washington DC

My grandfather and both of my husband’s grandparents served in WW2.  One of my husband’s grandparents was one of the few survivors when a kamikaze hit their naval ship. He became a POW and was eventually released. I cannot begin the imagine what our grandparents have experienced and seen during times of war.

World War 2 Memorial Washington DC

My son and I took a picture in our birth state to honor my grandfather, who was also a Kentucky native.

World War 2 Memorial Washington DC

It was surreal to watch the mixed emotions of the veterans who had been transported to DC just to see the memorial.

World War 2 Memorial Washington DC

My husband’s grandfather who served in Iwo Jima, got to come last year with a group of veterans. The Honor Network is non profit committed to transporting as many of the remaining WW2 veterans to the site as possible. I’m so glad that so many of them were able to see this place dedicated in their honor.

World War 2 Memorial Washington DC

We were walking among living legends who are a generation that is quickly dying off.

World War 2 Memorial Washington DC

I also noticed younger veterans at the memorial that were our age, who were wheelchair bound.

World War 2 Memorial Washington DC

It was a reminder that there are still people who are fighting and lives have been forever changed to protect our freedom.  We made it a point to try to shake hands and thank the veterans that we came in contact with.   I want my boys to understand that freedom isn’t free and that they are people who have and still are fighting for our freedom.

After several other sights, we made our way to the Vietnam Memorial.

World War 2 Memorial Washington DC

This list of names is almost overwhelming when you really stop and think about each name representing a family. A name that had hopes and dreams that were cut short.

 Washington DC

After viewing the memorial, we made our way back to Arlington Cemetery to our vehicle. Yes-that was A LOT of walking but it was well worth it.

On our way back we witnessed a parade in honor of all of the women who have served in the military.

Washington DC

I highlighted just a few of the free places that you can see in Washington, D.C. The only cost that day was our parking at Arlington National Cemetery. Look for more free in DC places in future posts.

If you would like a way to personally honor a veteran you can give to the Disabled AmericanVeterans.

1 thought on “Free Things to Do in DC- Honoring our Veterans”

  1. Thanks for posting these pictures .I am a 20 yr Vietnam era vet.I am going to Washington DC with my family in May.Looks like a great tribute to our forefathers and our many veterans.

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