Arlington National Cemetery
By Emily P.
On a peaceful Virginia hillside, overlooking the Potamic River, lies a reminder of American Freedom. Amongst the serenity, there are 400,000 crosses marking the brave men and women who fought for our country.
In 1802, the Arlington National Cemetery was constructed. Although it wasn't meant to be a cemetery, it turned out to be one of the most visited monuments. This estate was formerly the home of Robert E. Lee, who married the original owner’s daughter, Mary. Lee was an Army Officer throughout the Mexican war, and was asked to use his land for a headquarters on the outbreak of the Civil War. After his first refusal, he finally agreed.During the war, a Union Army made his land their headquarters. Throughout the war the Union lost an unfortunate number of soldiers. So many that in 1964, Lee was asked to convert his land into a burial ground.
If Lee wouldn’t have allowed the Union Army to change his territory into a headquarters and agreed to let them honor the soldiers by burying them there, we wouldn’t have this great symbol of American freedom. This cemetery is very incredible because it lets the soldiers who have given their lives for our freedom know that their efforts and sacrifices have not go unnoticed. This monument also provides a sanctuary for families and soldiers to stay connected.
In 1802, the Arlington National Cemetery was constructed. Although it wasn't meant to be a cemetery, it turned out to be one of the most visited monuments. This estate was formerly the home of Robert E. Lee, who married the original owner’s daughter, Mary. Lee was an Army Officer throughout the Mexican war, and was asked to use his land for a headquarters on the outbreak of the Civil War. After his first refusal, he finally agreed.During the war, a Union Army made his land their headquarters. Throughout the war the Union lost an unfortunate number of soldiers. So many that in 1964, Lee was asked to convert his land into a burial ground.
If Lee wouldn’t have allowed the Union Army to change his territory into a headquarters and agreed to let them honor the soldiers by burying them there, we wouldn’t have this great symbol of American freedom. This cemetery is very incredible because it lets the soldiers who have given their lives for our freedom know that their efforts and sacrifices have not go unnoticed. This monument also provides a sanctuary for families and soldiers to stay connected.