Views: 1 Author: Site Editor Publish Time: 2022-02-13 Origin: Site
17 things you don't know about Arlington National Cemetery
This cemetery is not just for those who fought for the freedom of our country. It is also immersed in rich historical treasures.
9. The first lady planted the first cherry tree
You can thank First Lady Helen Taft, the wife of President William Taft, and the large number of beautiful cherry trees blooming in the cemetery in Japan every spring! A member of the National Geographic Society wrote to Taft detailing plans to plant Japanese cherry blossoms around the tidal basin. Mrs. Taft fell in love with the idea and immediately began to arrange work. When the Japanese consul learned of Mrs. Taft's plan, Japan offered to donate 3000 coveted flower trees. In 1912, after planting cherry trees, Mrs. Taft and the wife of the Japanese Ambassador knelt down and planted the first two cherry trees together. Today, those trees still stand with a plaque commemorating this moment, symbolizing the friendship between the Japanese and American people. Here are 15 of the most interesting facts about the United States you've never known.
10. The first cherry trees had to be destroyed
More than 8600 native and exotic trees dot the vast land of Arlington National Cemetery, including a large number of cherry trees. In 1910, the United States received 2000 cherry trees generously donated by Japan and planted them in cemeteries. But to everyone's dismay, the Ministry of Agriculture said the trees were sick from pests. President Taft agreed to burn the trees because they needed to be destroyed. In 1912, the mayor of Tokyo and other Japanese kindly gave a bundle of 3000 cherry trees to the US Capitol.
11. Only two American presidents are buried here
In 1930, William Howard Taft was the first president to be buried at Arlington National Cemetery. A granite monument more than 14 feet high marks his grave. But the plot of John F. Kennedy's funeral is much more complicated. Initially, his 20 foot by 30 foot plot was surrounded by a white picket fence. But when more than 16 million people went to Kennedy's cemetery after his assassination, Kennedy family and cemetery officials decided to build a more suitable cemetery for public viewing. On July 20, 1967, his wife Jacqueline Kennedy lit the "eternal fire", which now burns in the center of a flat stone five feet high in front of his tombstone. She and Mrs Taft were also buried next to Arlington's husband.
11. You can find any grave through the graveyard's mobile app
Although Arlington National Cemetery has a longer history than mobile phones, it does have its own app! ANC Explorer will give you the direction of the cemetery, photos of the tombstone, self driving tours, and even save your burial records for search! The app can be downloaded on iPhone and Android. Look at these 24 American interstate questions that everyone will answer wrong.
12. There are cemeteries for more than 400 Medal of honor winners
One of the most famous recipients was private Henry Johnson, who lived in area 25. Due to his heroic performance in World War I, he was awarded the medal of honor in June 2015. In May 1918, 12 Germans attacked him and captured a comrade in arms in a raid. Although Johnson was injured, he only used a knife to save him and his comrades in arms when chasing the enemy. His bold action earned him the nickname "Black Death". Learn these 10 simple but powerful ways you can support veterans even on Memorial Day!
13. The tomb of the unknown soldier is still empty
In 1921, the tomb of the unknown soldier was built for an unidentified American soldier of World War I. He was excavated from an American Cemetery in France. The white marble tomb is engraved with the following sentence: "here lies an American soldier who only God knows." Next to the tomb are three other tombstones with white marble slabs. Inside are the remains of unknown soldiers in World War II, Korean War and Vietnam War. One of the basements was excavated in 1998. Scientists from the US Department of defense confirmed the remains of the Vietnam unknown, the first lieutenant of the air force, Michael Joseph Brasi, which was shot down in Vietnam in 1972. Officials decided to leave the tomb empty and replace it with one that read: "commemorate and abide by the faith of the missing American soldiers from 1958 to 1975."
14. The tomb of the unknown soldier is guarded 24 hours a day
365 days a year, 7 days a week, 24 hours a day. Regardless of rain or shine, the ancient tomb guards are closely watching the tomb of the unknown soldier. Sentinels are usually volunteers from the third infantry regiment, the oldest active infantry unit in the army, commonly known as the old guard. Only the best people in this elite group are qualified to apply for this coveted position.
15.21 is an important number for the guards of the tomb of the unknown soldier
The tomb guard did everything and counted to 21. They take 21 steps, turn their bodies to the east or west, and surround the grave every 21 seconds. This particular appeal to the number 21 may seem strange to outsiders, but the number itself is of great significance in the military world. The 21 shots of strict discipline symbolize the 21 gun salute, which is the highest military honor awarded to any soldier.
16. Cemetery guards must be strictly trained
An old guard member must first meet these strict requirements to be eligible for training: superior physical conditions, perfect military records, and certain height restrictions. Next, he or she must remember the 7-page cemetery history word for word, understand the shift ceremony and location of the cemetery, as well as countless other guard procedures and procedures. Once the training is completed, the soldier must score 95% or higher in the test in order to obtain a temporary tomb guard badge. But they can only get permanent badges after completing nine months of glorious service for the tomb of the unknown soldier.
17. Arlington National cemetery is the only national cemetery in American history dedicated to soldiers of previous wars
Although Arlington National Cemetery was not designated until 1864, it still contains the remains of people who have participated in every war since the war of independence. In 1892, cemetery officials dug up some soldiers who had served in the war of independence and the war of 1812 from other cemeteries and re buried them in the holy Arlington. Make sure you know these 45 things the U.S. military wants to tell you.
