Some of the United States’ most powerful memorials reside in Arlington, Virginia — just across the Potomac River from Washington, DC.
Arlington National Cemetery
National 9/11 Pentagon Memorial
Air Force Memorial
While you’re in the area, take advantage of the shopping and dining opportunities throughout Arlington’s neighbourhoods.
Some of the United States’ most powerful memorials reside in Arlington, Virginia — just across the Potomac River from Washington, DC.
Arlington National Cemetery
National 9/11 Pentagon Memorial
Air Force Memorial
While you’re in the area, take advantage of the shopping and dining opportunities throughout Arlington’s neighbourhoods.
Inspiring Memorials in Arlington, Virginia
Some of the most powerful memorials in the United States are just across the Potomac River from Washington, DC.
Some of the most powerful memorials in the United States are just across the Potomac River from Washington, DC.
These beautiful, commemorative places are also located within close proximity to one another, making it easy to visit them all during one trip. Read on to learn more about the Arlington, Virginia memorials established to honour United States heroes as well as educate and inspire the living.
Arlington National Cemetery
Arlington Cemetery, the final resting place for more than 400,000 service members, veterans and their families, is a breathtaking 624-acre shrine to America’s veterans. Interspersed among the headstones of service members are memorials, monuments and trees commemorating individuals and notable events in US history.
Poignant experiences include the Changing of the Guard ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, where the remains of unknown service members from World War I, World War II, the Korean War and Vietnam are guarded 24 hours a day, and the eternal flame at President John F. Kennedy’s grave site. Be sure to stop at the welcome centre to pick up an Arlington Cemetery map and learn about the history of the hallowed grounds.
National 9/11 Pentagon Memorial
The National 9/11 Pentagon Memorial, one of three national memorials dedicated to the remembrance of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks on the US, honours the 184 men, women and children who lost their lives when a hijacked commercial plane crashed into the Pentagon.
The 184 memorial units immortalize each victim and serve as a timeline of their ages, from 3-year-old Dana Falkenberg to 77-year-old John D. Yamnicky. The units are also arranged to distinguish those who lost their lives on board Flight 77 and those who were inside the Pentagon at the time of the attack. The distinctive memorial is a place for solace and reflection, and a reminder of the triumph of the human spirit in even the darkest times.
Air Force Memorial
Built to honour the men and women who served and continue to serve the United States Air Force and its heritage organizations, the Air Force Memorial features three soaring 82-metre spires that reflect a bomb-burst manoeuvre and three of four planes forming a Missing Man formation. The structure also represents the Air Force’s core values: integrity first, service before self and excellence.
Other significant points of interest at the site include the Glass Contemplation Wall, symbolizing the presence of those who are gone, and the Honor Guard, a sculpture of four individuals standing at attention. The memorial also offers spectacular views of the Pentagon and Washington, DC.
Learn more about Arlington memorials and museums.
Shopping & Dining Near Arlington Memorials
While you’re in the area, take advantage of plentiful shopping and dining opportunities throughout Arlington’s neighbourhoods. Fashion Centre at Pentagon City has more than 170 shops and diverse dining options, from Sugar Factory and Matchbox to casual staples like Panera Bread, honeygrow and Shake Shack. Favourite stores include Macy’s, Nordstrom, Apple, Coach, Michael Kors, Sephora and Forever 21. The Ritz-Carlton at Pentagon City offers a pampering place to stay on site.