Not a great topic to post on Valentine's day but I have the greatest privilege to accompany the family of a two times purple hearts world war II soldier who got buried in Arlington National Cemetery. It was my honor to take few pictures in this cemetery. I feel very sad and moving in seeing that many white stones in the cemetery. I was pondering in some of stones especially in the corner for unknown soldiers without a name in the special memorial dedicated to unknown soldiers. It is a very moving place for me or anyone to visit in Washington DC. I think it will be a great idea for our president to use Arlington National Cemetery as a vacation home to help in consoling the down soldiers and their beloved family. I was sobbing inside my heart when I was editing the photos while flying back to California from Washington DC.

All photos are taken with K100D and my test lens with FA 28-105 f/3.2-4.5

#1 Unknown Soldier Memorial
I think


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#7 Catch a plane flying over


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[weatherwise2]

Very nice and heartfelt pictures. God bless all those soldiers and I'm sorry for your friend, he will be blessed.

[Fritz]

Those are some very powerful images Hin, thanks for sharing.

What a sacred place you were able to see and capture with your camera. I am moved.

-gus-

[G M Fude]

A very nice series and I understand what you mean about being moved. I visited Arlington over 20 years ago and I can still remember what a deep secular experience it was for me to see this beautiful memorial to those who stand watch over us all. I find most public cemetaries drab however war cemetaries are special places indeed.

Thanks for posting those.

[egordon99]

I love the leading lines on #3!

[hinman]

Thanks for all the kind comments.

On the back of the stone is a number that looks like a row and column to identity the grave location. For some graves, I think the back is used to place the diseased wife buried in the same spot. Not sure, but my guess.

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And here are few more with raising the flag in Iwo Jima

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The bronze statue was based on a photograph by Joseph Rosenthal

Joe Rosenthal - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

and the vivid bronze statue took Felix W. deWeldon 9+ years to build

Felix de Weldon - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Thanks,
Hin

[Photo Tramp]

You are right about the numbers on the back of the stones. You are also right about the back of the stone being reserved for the spouse. I have been to Arlington Twice a year for the past 8 years. I have a Uncle and an Aunt buried in Arlington. I also have a few friends buried there.
To me Arlington is a place of beauty,and respect for those who gave a supreme sacrifice in battle and for those who have served their country, and have seen the horror of war.
Thank you for the pictures they bring back many memories.

[hinman]

Thank you all for the kind comments. Here are few more shots of Washington DC

Washington DC Series #1, all shot hand-held

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[hinman]

Series 2
All shots hand-held in iso 400 and 800

#1 1.6 sec, f/4.0, 50mm, iso 400, 0 Ev
I was sitting on the stairs using my knees to support my elbows


#2 0.8 sec, f/4.0, 50mm, iso 400, -1 Ev


#3 1/8 sec, f/4.5, 85mm, iso 200, -1 Ev


#4 1/10 sec, f/4.5, 105mm, iso 400, -1 Ev


#5 1/13 sec, f/4.0, 60mm, iso 200, -1 Ev

And I find it very difficult to shoot in freezing weather. Towards the end of the shooting, I thought long and hard to see the Vietnam memorial, I fell short in energy and stamina to walk over.

[cardinal43]

Thanks Hinman. I drive past Arlington National Cemetary and the Iwo Jima memorial every day on the way to work. As a Viet Nam veteran, I think of my comrades every time I pass. There are too many new graves in the cemetary.