LIFE.com’s photos of Arlington National Cemetery

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Kid Rock's picture
Submitted by Kid Rock
on Mon, 05/30/2011 - 11:57am

Memorial Day is a time to honor and remember those who have died in combat. And Arlington National Cemetery brings home the stark realities of war. LIFE.com has published a series of photos from the historic cemetery that capture both the grand scale and the intimacy of this most hallowed place. 

Slideshow: Arlington National Cemetery

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Lady Rock's picture

Fri, 09/09/2011 - 4:33am — Lady Rock
The Wall ~ Private Billy Rowe The Wall In Washington D.C. a monument stands to those who lost their lives in Vietnam Their names are carved in black granite. The survivors named it... the Wall This story is dedicated to all those heroes and we pledge we'll never forget.. I saw him standing all alone that night staring at the wall There were so many names to try and read But he searched through them all Then he spotted a wilted flower That someone had wedged in a tiny crack It was by a name that he seemed to know He-smiled as he stepped back Then I watched him reach out and touch the flower with a calloused hand, with tears in his eyes he whispered God, help me understand He was a lonely soldier drifting from day to day caught in between two worlds trying to find his way Somebody's restless hero Making his final call He had a special reason for coming ... to the Wall. I walked up and asked his name He told me "I'm Billy Rowe" He was dressed in a ragged uniform Said he fought in Vietnam a long, long time ago He said, "My life has been so confusing" But I' m trying to make the change It's just I miss my wife so very much Then what he said seemed strange He said “You know, all my old friends are here I can see now the time is finally right Then he turned and said goodbye to me and walked into the night I felt a force pull me to the Wall to tell me something I should know and then I saw that wilted flower as it begin to grow I could now plainly see the name from so many years ago one of many killed in Vietnam Private Billy Rowe I guess for some it's not easy the love they have lives on But that night Pvt. Billy Rowe Finally found his home He was a lonely soldier drifting from day to day caught in between two worlds trying to find his way Somebody's restless hero Making his final call He had a special reason for coming ... to the Wall.
Nixx Bieber's picture

Thu, 06/02/2011 - 1:02pm — Nixx Bieber
Very powerful pictures! A big thank you to all of those giving - so we can lead a better and maybe always free life!
Kati Jacobs's picture

Thu, 06/02/2011 - 3:21am — Kati Jacobs
This is our life thoussands of good and bad. We wil suverive.
Marie_10's picture

Wed, 06/01/2011 - 11:42am — Marie_10
I LOST MY COMMENT THANKS TO A COMPUTER ERROR. I JUST WILL MAKE THIS BRIEF DUE TO WORK. REASONS WHY I LOVE, ADORE AND RESPECT YOU. MY BIRTHDAY IS MAY 30TH, 2011. YEP, IT WAS MY FRICKIN' 40TH ON MEMORIAL DAY. I EVEN HAVE MY MOM CALLING IT FRICKIN' 40. I LOVE IT!! I CAME FROM A MILITARY FAMILY AND THAT MAKES MEMORIAL DAY A VERY SPECIAL DAY ESPECIALLY THIS YEAR. MY BOAT AND TRUCK IS RED, WHITE AND BLUE. I WEAR THESE COLORS FREQUENTLY. MY CHILDREN, 2 AND 3, NOT ONLY LOVE YOU BTW, BUT ARE TOTALLY INTO THE AMERICAM FLAG WHENEVER THEY SPOT ONE THEY GET EXCITED. WE BURIED A VERY DECORATED COLONEL BEARD, MY GRANDFATHER, LAST YEAR IN ARLINGTON. PLEASE KEEP DOING WHAT YOU DO AND REMIND US WE SHOULD BE PROUD OF WHERE WE COME FROM. THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU. SEE YA JULY 2 IN CINCI. VIP TIX BABY!!! XXOO
HOLLI_4's picture

Tue, 05/31/2011 - 5:25pm — HOLLI_4
Touching to say the least. Just today I attended my husband's grandfather's funeral, He served in World War II and recieved military gravesite rites. It was a beautiful service, everyone held a small American Flag during the ceremony. I jumped everytime a gun shot was fired, and chills went up and down my spine as the sound of Taps where played. I was just a kid when my grandfather passed away and I had forgotten how touching it is to attend a military service. I would like to thank all of our military for fighting for our freedom! I too am pround to be an American!
STAUTER007's picture

Tue, 05/31/2011 - 2:26pm — STAUTER007
OUCH! The picture of the girl laying there...beside / on her fiances plot...That one actually touches a nerve. That hurts. Freedom is not free. Thank you to those who have given their lives.
Leah_6's picture

Tue, 05/31/2011 - 12:57pm — Leah_6
Arlington is a beautiful place to visit. It truly makes you thankful for the men and women who gave their all. God Bless All Our military men, women and their families.
kidrocket99's picture

Tue, 05/31/2011 - 9:31am — kidrocket99
That's what you call laying down ones life down for the justice of others. They are all in heaven for sure. This is the ultimate sacrifice, but also a real tragedy......It's the reality of the world in which we live....this valley of tears.......Thanks for reminding us of the real meaning of Memorial Day. It's not just a day off to go to a cook out and enjoy ourselves, if it wasn't for these people we wouldn't have a day off to enjoy.
SherZ's picture

Tue, 05/31/2011 - 7:35am — SherZ
God Bless OUR SOLDIERS & OUR COUNTRY.
tblondie00's picture

Tue, 05/31/2011 - 12:38am — tblondie00
I thought...interesting, I'll click on it...got there...cool site..I'll add this to my favorites!...got to Arlington cemetary...tears started flowing with the first picture, as the words kept playing over and over in my head: As we sit free and well another soldier has to yell "tell my wife and children I love them" in his last breath. I'm still wiping away tears. Thanks Bobby for putting things into perspective today...as you always do...just one of the many reasons I'm one of your biggest fans X X O O..THANK YOU.. TO EACH AND EVERY ONE OF OUR BLESSED SOLDIERS, PAST AND PRESENT, AND YOUR FAMILYS. MAY GOD BLESS YOU ALWAYS. Sincerely, Freeland, Michigan
TX_Cowgirl4213's picture

Tue, 05/31/2011 - 12:34am — TX_Cowgirl4213
Bob Darlin' thanks for sharing such a great link with us on this very special day. I have been to this place and to the tomb of the Unknown Soldier and what a impression this place and the Brave Soldiers who lie at rest in this Hallowed place leave on ones soul. The pictures are awesome but to experience this place in person is humbling to say the least. I am thankful for all the brave soldiers who fight and give thier all for us to Be Born Free.
PKL's picture

Mon, 05/30/2011 - 11:55pm — PKL
yes it is a honor to be buried there that is for sure. some gave all. like I told my uncle when he wanted to pay for the wood I said did you fight two wars he replyed yes I sure did , I said well ya paid so I have the freedom to drink beer and talk smart and not have fear of reprisal for doing so..I think I choaked him up but with him I can never tell ~
Ann_11's picture

Mon, 05/30/2011 - 11:30pm — Ann_11
Didn't even know that site was out there and the photos are amazing! Sure helps to put life in perspective when you see what all the military and their families go through. Thanks
Calico's picture

Mon, 05/30/2011 - 9:23pm — Calico
Saw these earlier, a vast reminder that a GREAT MANY have given their lives so that we can do this, and pretty much anything else we want to do!! A BIG THANKS to all who have and are serving, and their families!!!!

Mon, 05/30/2011 - 8:23pm — Bobbie Jean_2
Yes it is. We get to enjoy all that we do, because they gave it all literally & so did their Families too. For bringing this to remembrance, God Bless You! :)
catwoman_2's picture

Mon, 05/30/2011 - 6:21pm — catwoman_2
THANK YOU FOR THE PHOTOS. MY FLAG IS OUT FLYING HIGH. MAY EVERYONE HAVE A PEACEFUL AND SAFE MEMORIAL DAY.
rocksavedmysoul's picture

Mon, 05/30/2011 - 5:07pm — rocksavedmysoul
I have my flag flying high. The last photo is heart wrenching. God Bless our soldiers. Let there be peace on Earth and let it begin with me...
Margo C's picture

Mon, 05/30/2011 - 4:02pm — Margo C
Wow, those are some very moving photos.
MCC_2's picture

Mon, 05/30/2011 - 3:45pm — MCC_2
I encourage all to sometime in their lifetime to go to these places in person. I went when I was a teenager , a teen who wasn't into history. My dad told me all about it, I thought as a teenager, "it's just a big cemetery" WAS I WRONG! When we finally arrived to these places , I stood there in aw with tears rolling down my face. Knowing that each and everyone one of these people died for America, died for me, for you. It was an eye opening experience as a teenager. Extremely emotional and moving. It's a very special place. A special thanks to all of our military past, present and future! We love you and appreciate you , you are our hero's !!!
Krangel4ever's picture

Mon, 05/30/2011 - 3:15pm — Krangel4ever
thanks for sharing! May God continue to Bless our soldiers who fight daily for us to enjoy freedom. I hope you are having a wonderful day!
alissa_2's picture

Mon, 05/30/2011 - 1:51pm — alissa_2
i don't do death real well i'm sorry cheers to the living thank you xoxoxoxox much love always peace not war thank you xoxoxoxoxo
Outside The Box's picture

Mon, 05/30/2011 - 1:26pm — Outside The Box
Agreed: Although today is a holiday for some, let us not forget the true reason why we celebrate Memorial Day, to give thanks to the heroes of the past, present, and into the future for acknowledging that the needs of the many out weigh/weighed the needs of the one. Thank you can never be enough... God Bless!!!
Lora Fickert Rock-Stone -Biggest Fan EVER...dont doubt me's picture

Mon, 05/30/2011 - 12:34pm — Lora Fickert Ro...
Beautiful. My son and I are on a mini vacation in orlando and at bkst this morning i asked him to put down his fork and say a small prayer/thank you for those who have served our country and allowed us to be where we are today.
KSB's picture

Mon, 05/30/2011 - 12:21pm — KSB
AMEN!!!!
Miss Missy's picture

Mon, 05/30/2011 - 12:18pm — Miss Missy
Exacty Memorial Day is here to remind of us all of the Men and Women who fought, gave their LIfe to protect our freedoms May God Bless them Hold them near! For the Past Present and Future they will always be held in high regard! God Bless America always!!!
samiam0917's picture

Mon, 05/30/2011 - 12:06pm — samiam0917
Beautiful and heartbreaking. Thank you for everything you do to entertain, support, and bring recognition to our troops.
tre_2's picture

Mon, 05/30/2011 - 12:05pm — tre_2
God Bless all our service men and women! Powerful photos. Hope everyone takes time to send a prayer and Thanks up above for all those that have given the ultimate sacrifice for our country and our freedom.