Arlington National Cemetery is about five miles from the Washington DC Doubletree Guest Suites Hotel. Arlington National Cemetery represents many different things. For some, it is a chance to walk among headstones that chronicle American history; for many, it is an opportunity to remember and honor the nation's war heroes; and for others, it is a place to say a last farewell to a family member or friend.
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Arlington National Cemetery was established by Brig. Gen. Montgomery C. Meigs, who commanded the garrison at Arlington House and appropriated the grounds for use as a military cemetery. His intention was to render the house uninhabitable should the Lee family ever attempt to return. A stone and masonry burial vault in the rose garden, 20 feet wide and 10 feet deep, and containing the remains of 1,800 Bull Run casualties, was among the first monuments to Union dead erected under Meigs' orders. Meigs himself was later buried within 100 yards of Arlington House with his wife, father and son; the final statement to his original order.
More than four million people visit the cemetery annually, many coming to pay final respects at graveside services, of which nearly 100 are conducted each week, Monday through Friday.
A first stop on a trip to the cemetery should include the Visitors Center, located by the entrance, where maps, guidebooks, exhibits, information services (to include grave locations), and a bookstore can be found. Please note that the cemetery does not provide wheelchairs or strollers and if you require this service you will need to bring your own.
The most frequent ceremony carried out at Arlington National Cemetery is usually private and intensely emotional. Customs for funerals are time honored. The gift of flowers at a memorial site is a ritual that occurs around the world, understood in every culture. The floral tributes at funerals bespeak both the beauty and the brevity of life and evoke memories of other days. These sorts of offerings are made each day at Arlington National Cemetery.
Before your visit, take time to acquaint yourself with Arlington National Cemetery through link found at the bottom of this page.
The Doubletree Guest Suites Hotel is ideal for overnight accommodations when exploring all the area attractions in Washington DC. We offer 105 beautifully appointed suites with a selection of king or queen beds, fully equipped kitchens, high-speed Internet access and more. Our Doubletree Guest Suites allow you to feel closer to home whether you are traveling for a few nights or longer.
Whenever you are in Washington DC, choose the Doubletree Guest Suites Hotel, a proud member of the Hilton® Family of Hotels. All reservations booked on this site are eligible for the Hilton Family® Best Rate Guarantee and eligible for points and miles in the Hilton HHonors® program.
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