My only visit to JFK's gravesite in '86 was horrible, there were a ton of unsupervised middle school students running around, chasing each other, and jumping on the low wall engraved with JFK's speeches. I'm actually glad they cracked down on things like that.
I appreciate the time and trouble you take to share these cemeteries and graves. My situation doesn’t allow me to travel and it is a pleasure to vicariously visit the locations with you. Your voice and demeanor are calming and make your videos a pleasure to watch. They are truly a lovely escape during a hectic day -- thank you so much. You have a true gift. 🌺
Arlington is an amazing cemetery, I've visited twice. The eternal flame at JFK gravesite is awe inspiring and I have 2 uncles buried there. The Vietnam memorial is also such a special place, several uncles and cousins memorialized there too. I'm sorry the weather was bad. I hope someday you can return when the weather permits a leisurely stroll in this beautiful cemetery. Thanks for another wonderful video
I was at Arlington National Cemetery in September, and it feels like we had completely opposite experiences. I had visited Kennedy and Taft for the first time all the way back in 2010, and then again in 2021. And I had a GORGEOUS day to walk around and visit all of the graves I wanted to visit or revisit. In total I had visited/revisited 84 Graves that day in total, and had walked a total of 15 miles inside and outside the cemetery that day. I was very tired and worn out after all of that but I got what I wanted done, and then later found out I STILL miss some graves I wanted to see. Oh well, just means I'll have to go back to this wonderous place. Awesome video as always, Steve!
Hi Joe, omg 84 graves in one day. You are a grave hunting beast! 😳 that might be a Guinness book of world records record! i’m glad to hear that you had such a great visit. 👍
The last time I was there was in 2002. There was NO security, no buses. You could drive wherever you wanted. We saw the changing of the guard at the tomb of the unknown soldier, and the cherry trees were all in bloom. It was a beautiful place and moved me to tears. I hope you can go back sometime Scott and have a better experience, Thanks for all your videos, I enjoy them all! 💕
@@rbsmith3365 I went in 1977, the Curtis Lee house was open but empty, one guard at JFK's grave. You were free to wander the grounds then, sounds more restricted and organized now. I'm glad I went when I did.
Something to note. Actor R. Lee Ermey (Full Metal Jacket) who was a drill sergeant in the Marines during the Vietnam War in real life and was made an honorary Gunnery Sergeant was buried in Arlington with full honors. Even if he didn't get the role that he played in Full Metal Jacket,the movie's producers would have retained him as a technical consultant for the movie based on his experience during the Vietnam War since that was when the time frame in which the movie was set. Just thought I'd throw in that trivia for you.
I went to college at American University in Washington DC, and Arlington Cemetery was by far my favorite place to wander around. You could be there for weeks and still not see it all. Thanks for taking me back Steve. Can't believe the huge crowds and how commercial it's become. I only ever saw that type of crowd at JFK's resting place and the tomb of the unknown soldiers back then.
I lived in DC in the mid 80's when I was in the Air Force for 4 years. I can't tell you how many hours, (hundreds) that I spent exploring Arlington. There were graves that I found and graves that I wanted to find and never found. The place is huge and has only gotten bigger since I was there. So I feel your frustration not finding all the graves you wanted to visit. The biggest change I saw in your video from my time there is the number of people. There were days I would go to visit and would go hours without seeing another person except at President Kennedy's grave. But then again, that was 40 years ago.
I was stationed nearby Arlington National Cemetery while in the Army, so I know it well. It's obvious you were less than adequately prepared for the visit. First, best time of the year to visit is May or Oct in terms of weather and crowds. In the height of the summer I'm truly stunned you thought you could video important sites without others getting in your video. The tour bus is excellent and I highly recommend it for those who want to see the highlights. It does travel the park many more times than you alluded to. I have two brave brothers-in- arms, my fellow soldiers (Iraq and Afganishtain) that I dearly love resting in Section 60. While I'm sorry the experience didn't live up to your expectations, I must remind you that Arlington is hallowed grounds and holds the precious remains of people are so loved. Yes, it's historical and I'm thrilled people want to savor the final resting places of those who have forged and formed our nation, but its so much more than that. Several years ago you visited Fort Roscrans National Cemetery in San Diego. I was moved to tears as your video spanned over the graves of my parents. But today, I'm disappointed and saddened as I feel you were self absorbed in your own disappointment, all of which was based on your failure to be prepares. Truly, I expected more from someone who usually is so sensitive and right-on when documenting.
I've been to Arlington twice, most recently as part of a bus tour 3 years ago. Our visit was limited in many ways but it was still cool. We mostly saw Graves from the tram, including Glenn Miller's cenotaph. I think most people who visit there are only there to see the Kennedys and the tomb of the unknown soldier. But my dream is to check out the whole cemetery, even if it takes a week! Thanks for sharing your experience...it can be a learning lesson for a lot of us
I was thinking has one of our favorite cemeteries and feel such history. We have been there several times and enjoyed each visit but you are right, it's enormous. Lots and lots of walking even if you do take the shuttle. We never had rain but sometimes it was so hot you could hardly breathe while walking around. Thanks for the video and sorry that everything was kind of stacked against you today.
Hi Steve sorry that your day didn't go as planned. I wonder if one of the graves that you wanted to visit was that of actress Maureen O'Hara who is buried beside her military husband Charles Blair..thanks for all your videos amazing as always watching from Toronto Ontario Canada 😊🇨🇦
I absolutely love the beauty and meaningfulness of Arlington National Cemetery. My uncle is buried there, a retired Navy piolit with full military honors. What an extraordinary experience that was even though sorrowful. Considering how many beautiful days that you had on this ""bucket list road trip " you are far above the averages. Just think of all the people (including myself) who have spent thousands on a 7 to 10 day vacation and have had only 3 to 4 days of beautiful weather. The take aways from this cemetery visit is, when you are going into 639 acres on foot is to take a small cooler enough for a couple bottles of water and a few snacks. And plan out a two day visit. We are never to old to learn from our misguided adventures Steve! :)
I visited Arlington 3/4 yrs ago when i accompanied my dad on an honor flight. He was a WW 2 veteran and part of the Army of occupation of Japan. Beautiful resting place for our honored veterans .
This was a really helpful video. Having never been to Arlington, I had no concept of how enormous the place was. Your experience has been a real "eye-opener." Thanks, again, for all you do.
If it is any consolation, I have been to Arlington three times, used the tram the first two and I STILL haven’t visited all the graves I want to. Arlington will eat you alive due to its size and scope. It requires advanced research and planning too. The tram helps, but you need honestly hiking boots and visiting either early or late in the year. My DC trips were in January, September and November for perspective. Glad you visited and wish you success on future visits.
Growing up in MD, was fortunate to visit at least 20-25 times. My school field trips, daughter's field trips, taking numerous relatives. It is one of the most visited sites in DC. Inspirational, sacred. Kennedy gravesite and tomb of unknown soldier are the two most visited sites. And yes, bring good walking shoes!
Thanks Steve. I would be perturbed as well. But...what I wouldn't give to hear that rain at this very moment. It is so hot and dry down here on the Gulf of Mexico...Corpus Christi to be exact. It's one of those times that I would literally dance in the rain.
Sorry to hear about the troubles Steve. My son & I had to take a break about 1 PM because it was so hot! Went to our hotel which was right outside the gate, took a shower, rested for 2 hours with air-conditioning, then went back. The cemetery is massive!!!! Gen. Omar Bradley, 5-star, you had to pass him for Taft. Robert Todd Lincoln was across the road. Great place! Been there 2 times & many more graves to see!
I have visited JFK’s gravesite on a number of occasions , each time it was quite serene . The other people there were quite and respectful. The first time I visited was surreal for me. I was 8 years old when the assassination took place . I remember it vividly . I also remember the day of his burial . It was broadcast on television. I watched from beginning to , and I specifically remember when the flag was removed and television viewers caught just glimpse of the coffin before it was lowered . I believe his current resting place is not where he was originally buried . In fact there pictures available on the internet which shown parts of the process of exhumation and reburial . It was done at night , Bobby and Teddy were there . Each of my visits to Arlington have nice , and memorable.
Steve; you are the Very Best; Wife and I will be cremated and laid to rest at Zachary LA National Cemetery; I am a Vietnam Veteran...God Bless you my Good friend!
You take care of yourself you do more walking then I would I would take the shuttle but it’s very interesting I’m never going to be able to see these graves and thanks to you I can thank you so much Steve for all the hard work that you do
The only time I was there was 1988. It was part of a bus tour of all the key historic sites in DC. I don't recall Arlington being so commercialized in those days. Maybe that's something new.
Sorry that your visit was fraught with so many challenges and obstructions Steve. The honorable place of rest is very large and definitely a place of respect and solitude. I'm so grieved that so many of our children are buried there and paid the ultimate price for our freedom. They all had beautiful lives to live and were taken from us before their time. May they all rest in peace and know that you made a large effort to pay them respect. I know in my heart they know and truly appreciate your efforts.
My aunt and uncle are laid to rest at Arlington, not far from President Kennedy's resting area. My daughter who was in 7th grade at the time went to Arlington for a class trip. Her teacher let her pay her respects to them. I went there also and it brought out alot of emotions. Thank you for going there. It's a very beautiful and emotional place.
I've never been to Arlington but my dad went with his Honor Flight group in 2019. I've heard that Audie Murphy is buried not too far from JFK. His is one grave that I would like to see besides JFK. Thank you for showing what you were able to because of the weather. I enjoy watching your videos. They are entertaining and informative.
Yesterday was my 65th birthday. I bought a hat from your store, "I'd rather be grave hunting!" I think that what it says, but it's a birthday gift for myself! Can't wait till I get it so I can wear it when I grave hunt!
I had a similar experience, but with a very different perspective. I went to Arlington on a day when it was warm, but constantly pouring rain. I wasn’t there to take pictures, so it was amazing. I was there almost by myself. I saw JFK’s grave by myself. I was alone, except for the guards, at the tomb if the unknown. I saw most of the place on my own. I was warm and my umbrella kept me dry. It was so moving. Yes, there was a lot of walking, but I had my route carefully planned ahead of time. I had my written directions on my phone and that worked perfectly. One more note about my experience. I’m high functioning autism spectrum disorder. So large crowds are hard for me. And I’m a little obsessive about planning ahead of my trip. So for me, it was just about perfect. The rain made it a wonderful, private experience for me. But as I said, I wasn’t taking pictures.
Growing up we were a very political Family, my Father was an avid Democrat and was one of the Caucus members for Colorado. Back before JFK became a President and He was a Senator, he came to Colorado. The Caucus was in Pueblo, CO and Senator Kennedy (President) gave a speech and talked with several people. My Father got to meet and talk with him and Daddy said that He was very knowledgeable and nice and he had a specific plan for making the “America a more equal land for all Americans to live.” Thank You Steve for another wonderful video. Blessings to You and Jim.
Hi Steve ! Beautiful huge cemetery ! How unfortunate you couldn't drive around and were rained out . The sites you did show were great . Lots and lots of people ! Such a big place should have a snack bar for visitors ! Thanks for taking us on your adventures! Take care ! Deborah Manitoba Canada
I don’t envy your dismal visit to Arlington, although we always appreciate your efforts. I do, however, seriously envy you that rain. If we don’t get rain soon here in Texas, we may have to start dispensing bottled water to our cows. Send it our way, please!! Lol
Hey Steve, thanks so much for this. Sorry circumstances transpired to make the visit less than ideal. Arlington is an awesome place to visit, a very hallowed ground, we were there 4 years ago also. Security is certainly a continual presence, rightfully so. For many ppl, walking the grounds would not be an issue, but if you want to take in the full extent and experience of the cemetery via strictly walking, it can be a LOT of walking. Im in my 60s and this would be to exhausting. The tour bus would be the way to go here, im not sure what the schedule for that is, but i do recall on our visit there we didnt see it very much.
I get cranky when I am hungry, thirsty, and have plenty of people around--- how frustrating for you after driving--walking so, so much ! You have earned a rest and some ice cream ! Thank you as always for being there.....
What a tough time you had so sorry but yes that is a great cemetary and many police. So thanks for sharing can't wsit to see those president's videos. Really enjoy those videos!
2nd viewer , 1st comment!!! My wife and I love you and your channel buddy. Thank you for all the hours of entertainment… Your friends in Springfield Ohio Godspeed
My Uncle Bill is buried out there at Arlington National Cemetery he was a United State Airforce Cornel Piolet during World War II, Korean War, and Airforce I. My Aunt was a Airforce Surgical Nurse during World War II, and the Korean War. She also flew on the Airforce I where she aided Presidents, and there wives who needed medical assistance during various flights. She too is buried beside her husband out there. I have visited there grave sites four times. They are buried out by the World War II section. Yes, it is quite a walk indeed. But, it is worth the while, and a delight to visit. It makes you appreciate freedom of our Country United States of America. I salute the men and women who fought for our freedom. 🇺🇸👍 Amen...
I absolutely ❤️ and much prefer overcast days when graving, but not when it becomes too inclement, especially when the downpour forms puddles on flush-w/-the-ground markers and makes not very photographic. Debbie was reared in eastern Massachusetts and as a youngster her family would visit the old, historic graveyards there, and even picnic on the lawns, so she had a headstart over most of us.
Yes Mr. Steve, you've had better days on visiting famous cemeteries. Sorry you had a bad day. I still enjoyed it. Sending greetings from the great Peach state of Georgia ❤ 😎
I had no idea that the cemetery had such obstacles to overcome to see the graves you're looking for. Thanks for the video. I always enjoy your work. Best to you my friend!
I was very fortunate to have visited Arlington last November and there were only a handful of people in the cemetery. I spent 7 hours there and still missed some people I wanted to pay my respects to. I had never seen the the nurses memorial and burial section in previous visits and I stumbled upon that one while trying to find another area and that was a nice surprise. I am so sorry tour visit was disappointing because I know you would have given us a very informative video had it not been for the rain and the crowds. Thank you for trying Steve. ❤️
I've been to Arlington a number of times as it's a must for company to my home in Delaware about 2 1/2 hours away. You should plan 2 days if you want to see all of Arlington. It's a beautiful cemetery which is best visited right before or after students' summer vacation. We love the buses as the guides are mainly history teachers on summer break or retired teachers. Hope the rest of your trip is great!
Steve, so sorry your Alington visit was less then ideal. I can relate to your experience. I visited on three occasions. It can be overwhelming. Especially for us folks over 60. But the important thing is, you made it. This trip was on your bucket list. Get something to eat and have a good rest. You've earned it. Take care.
Thanks for all your effort ! Look forward to seeing what you did film on upcoming videos. You will just have to pick away and get so many each time you go there . Thanks Bob
Everyone should visit the Vietnam Memorial. Soldiers were disrespected when they returned even though the majority of Soldiers were drafted with their options to join, to go to jail for refusing to obey the draft or to run. We lost 60,000 young men there & after it was over the US withdrew it's forces. Very, very sad especially for those of us alive during the Conflict.
There is a traveling replica of the memorial called "The Wall That Heals" that makes stops in small towns. I was lucky to see it when it traveled to Eastland Texas.
I live in Maryland and work for a limousine company. I've done many funerals at Arlington and it's always a great honor. I know the weather won't be that great, but if you can visit in the winter time, you won't encounter the hoard of tourist.
As I often say "There there little bear, it'll be alllllright". We've been having a drought on this side of the country, include Kentucky where I am. Over 100 with the humidity. Just miserable. So look at it this way. Be happy for us. Keep up with the great videos Steve.
In 1967 I was in the Marine Corps stationed at Henderson Hall which is adjacent to the cemetery. We could just walk over and see all the gravesites including Kennedy and many others.
👋 Steve don't be disappointed you can't help the weather and the tours that was going on, but don't get dehydrated make sure you have something to eat and drink! 🙏♥️
Hi Steve, it's not good that it rained and you couldn't see All the graves that you wanted to visit 😉 thank goodness you didn't catch a bad cold 😀 there
I have been to Arlington once, and it is truly an awe-inspiring place! You are truly walking among heroes in those grounds. One of the neatest things you'll ever see is the changing of the guard ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier! Did you see that while you were there? That should be on everybody's must see list that visits Arlington. I hope to return again in the future! Will you have another video focusing on the graves of Taft and JFK with your usual narration about the deceased? Taft is the only President to both take and administer the Presidential Oath of Office, as he administered the oath to his Presidential successors Warren G. Harding, Calvin Coolidge (for his full term in office beginning in 1925), and Herbert Hoover in his capacity as Chief Justice. Chief Justice of the United States was always Taft's ambition, it was his wife who wanted him to be President.
Look peaceful despite the weather. I work just beside a huge cemetary. I like walking beside it. Never thought of enter the place but now, I am tempted to go there.
I was at Arlington about five years ago. We visited the graves most people, including the Tomb of the Unknowns. Two I had to see were Audie Murphy and Joe Louis. I wasn't going to miss the most decorated soldier to serve in World War II and the Brown Bomber.
Going from memory, Robert Todd Lincoln (Abraham' & Mary's eldest son) & Abraham Lincoln II (their grandson) are also buried there. (Am from Virginia but haven't visited in years & years)
I've not been to my family plot in years. I live in Fresno California, and I'm disabled. The last time I was at my family plot, was when my late Aunt Elsie passed away, and the family met up to have her funeral service there. That was several years ago, before my father passed away in July 2004. Your vlogs are very interesting, but I hope you'll see why I don't visit graveyards myself!
I remember years ago visiting there and it was so freaking hot. I had just been to the JFK grave and changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. I felt like I was going to pass out waiting for the tram and leaned on a gravestone when I was dizzy. Low and behold it was the grave of Audie Murphy. I thought I was going to die on his grave.
My wife and I went last year at this time and the weather was awesome. We used to go each May for a field trip to Washington DC during elementary school. That tram/trolley has designated stops and it was a GODSEND lol. It was great to see JFK, Bobby and Ted near one another. I’m sorry it was a bad day weather wise.
That visit is just one you need to chalk up to being one of those occasional bad days we all have. Not eating or drinking definitely makes a bad mood worse. You handled it well.
i never go during the summer when schools are out, way to crowded. and if its raining means u can take ur time on the inside and see stuff till the rain stops
Oh no Steve I am sorry that this trip to the gravesites were disappointing, but I'm glade you still had a good sense about it and Steve we don't need you to get too dehydrate out there because we need our videos. I hope your other visit to gravesities were much better.
I first saw President Kennedys grave in the summer of 1966. The building of the current grave surrounding hadn't been started yet. Fortunately I was 12 years old because we had to walk up a plank roped walkway to get to his grave. Amazing how different it is now.
I saw the JFK grave in 8th grade. And it was not too long after Jackie Kennedy/ “Jackie O” had passed and her plaque was pretty new. I stood there for a little bit, while a lot of my classmates didn’t care. Arlington Cemetery is what I like to call tragically beautiful. I got chills with changing of the guards too. Well over 20+ years later, I still think about that place sometime. Hope someday to go back and pay more respect to graves.
Hi Steve, yeah, you can't control the weather. Best thing to pack too is garden boots. My husband has quite a bit of family in Arlington National cemetery, he is related to President Taft. If you happen upon any Wheelock's, would love a photo of them for our family site, Robert Anthony Wheelock was only 19 years old, his plot is Section 12, Site 2318. I still hope you enjoyed your visit. We have been to a few National cemeteries ourselves.
Hi Steve 🙋♂️! I'm just watching this video now. Thanks for the personal bird's-eye view of ANC. Your viewpoint and tips are very interesting! I see most areas are cordoned off. It's alot of walking as you said 😲. I'm glad to see your video Zoom of JFK's grave 🙏. Take care! 😌🐦🇨🇦
I have a brother buried at Arlington and the staff will take a family member to the grave site and we have a special pass to drive in but driving anywhere else is forbidden. It used to be easier years ago to see the cemetery. The families of service members that are in the section next to Section 59 has a lot of daily visitors of family. Because the loss of these service members is so recent the families are young with many small children. The Saturday after 911 the family went to the cemetery to look through the fence closest to the Pentagon. What a terrible site.
I understand why gloomy days are detrimental to filming. I, however, love overcast days, and especially the rain! I would inhale the petrichor deeply and become completely relaxed.
I’ve visited there with my family in VA. My uncle Charlie is buried there. My aunt Betty will be buried with him when her time comes. Hopefully that’s not for a long time!☺️
What a difference between January 1964 to the present gravesite of President Kennedy. When my family used to live outside of Washington DC during The Kennedy Years (January 20th, 1961 to November 22nd, 1963.). When President Kennedy's gravesite was much simpler and smaller than it is now. As far as I remember, the only guards who were there may have been part of The Army's Third Infantry (same regiment that guards the Tombs of the Unknown Soldiers in Arlington National Cemetery - aka The President's Own) who guarded the presidents grave. It was shortly (2 months later) after the assassination and funeral of President Kennedy when my family first visited his grave. The gravesite at that time was surrounded by a small white picket fence where those who wanted to pay their respects could do so. Only family members and foreign dignitaries could go inside the fence to pay their respects to our fallen president. Everyone who visited President Kennedy's grave was respectful and were mainly silent out of respect. It was a complete different scenario than it is today.
Yes, Arlington Cemetery is ENORMOUS!! I went there via train on my trek to visit all presidential gravesites. It has it's own train stop. You really need a whole day & then some to explore. JFK, RFK, & Edward Kennedy are close together. Taft & also Robert Lincoln are further away & more like in the middle of the cemetery. It's also nice to explore Arlington House at the top of the hill where Robert E. Lee resided & you can have a great view of the cemetery. The Union soldiers wanted to make sure Robert E. Lee would never live there again after the war was over by burying the dead essentially in his backyard. It's a fascinating cemetery but HUGE & crowded no matter what time of the day you visit. I'm sorry you had such a difficult experience but you'll certainly never forget it. Onward & upward! On to the next one! 😁
This makes me sad for the families of those buried there. How in the world would elderly parents or grandparents maneuver that cemetery every time they wanted to visit their loved one?
One thing I remember when I was there......It was January and it was cold and I went there at the end of the day. I wound up at the Tomb of the Unknown......It was around 4:30 and it was getting dark quick. I was the only one there and I sit for about 10 minutes and just watched that soldier march back and forth.
