Arlington Cemetery

I live so close to Arlington Cemetery, but it took me two months to finally take the 2 minute metro ride there.

Yesterday, I went to the historic site during my eighth grade trip to DC, but like all U.S. history's excitements, I have such a greater appreciation for it now. It was just me who went on Monday, which was nice since I was able to fully take it all in and go to certain spots twice. 

JFK's grave was by far the sentiment that means so much more to me now. In fact, I think I only thought the eternal flame looked cool back in eighth grade and felt a little somber. Since then, JFK has become my favorite U.S. historical figure. Seeing his and Jackie's grave was extremely sobering. Even though his presidency was not really too long ago, I never think of his presence as that recent. Seeing his grave inches before me, however, gave me the reality that his presence in DC - my home for the past two months - was not too long ago either.

The changing of the guards was my most memorable experience of the entire three day trip back when I was fourteen, so I was eagerly awaiting to relive that. Although I have full memory of the procession, that too was even more uplifting this time around.

Then, the sensation of walking the grounds itself brought an odd mixture of emotions. With the autumn foliage, the immense cemetery was undeniably beautiful. Yet, the sea of graves rushed the reality of heroism and death as well. The cemetery captured the epitome of beautiful melancholy.