The last of the Veterans Day week posts, this blog/bucket list post will focus on the national level of U.S. landmarks that are worth taking a visit to. From cemeteries where most of our most honorable veterans and citizens are buried, to shipwrecks left behind from war attacks to retired ships(One even being a hotel) once used to transport our veterans and fight in battles, to an iconic battlefield that gave America one of its most pivotal and important battles and changed the course of American history, learn and read about 5 of some of America’s most iconic and important war landmarks.

 

 

 

Arlington National Cemetery

If you ever want to see a place that reminds you who gave their all for their country, for your rights, and for your freedom, then you have to be sure to visit here! With approximately 400,000 graves, this cemetery is MASSIVE at 639 total acres, making it the largest Army cemetery in the country. This cemetery is as iconic as it is massive with several iconic U.S. citizens having been buried here. The list includes President JFK and First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, President William Howard Taft and First Lady Helen “Nellie” Herron Taft, Robert F. Kennedy, Audie Murphy, Walter Reed, Abner Doubleday, Thurgood Marshall, and many, many more. Highlights at the cemetery that you do not want to miss include visiting the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, seeing the dozens of memorials, touring the Arlington House, attending a memorial service, and of course, taking a guided shuttle tour around the grounds. This is a place that truly will make you proud to be an American and that will bring you an appreciation for our U.S. Veterans and the sacrifices they give to make sure we have freedom!

My experience(If Any)

As someone who has visited here myself more than a handful of times, I can confirm that this is definitely a place worth seeing. Do keep in mind that as massive as the cemetery is, I HIGHLY recommend that you take a guided shuttle tour. Last time, I had the luck of taking a guided tour that got cut short due to my guide’s minor side swipe with a bus passing by(Yes, this really happened) and this left me walking. Needless to say, I got my exercise in that day and knew that walking that grave was NOT for me! Luckily, there were employees driving their carts around and I was able to hitch a ride. Without them, it would have been a nightmare! If you are looking for a specific grave, be sure to remember that you can go online to find the grave marker you are looking for as well! I also highly recommend others to go see the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and other mentioned highlights above!

 

 

Pearl Harbor

If you are looking to find an iconic piece of WWII history that may have been a 1940’s version of 9/11, look no further than Pearl Harbor! On the tragic day of December 7th, 1941, the Imperial Japanese Navy Air Service made a surprise military strike on U.S. soil. It was this strike that proved to be a grave mistake for Japan as it became the reason that the United States got involved in WWII. While visiting, be sure to take guided tours and to go see the USS Arizona Memorial, which commemorates the lives lost on the battleship, the USS Missouri (where Japan formally surrendered), the Pacific Aviation Museum, and the USS Bowfin Submarine Museum & Park. While this is a sad event and place to remember and think about, visiting here will truly give you a deep insight into what the event must have been like.

My Experience(If Any)

I was able to visit here just after I had turned 8 years old. It was Christmas time 1999, and the new millennium was just around the corner. So, it was an exciting time! Back to the point, though, LOL. Needless to say, at just 8 years old, I knew VERY little about WWII aside from the fact that my Papaw Gooch had fought in it and been shot. However, I do remember that when asking my family why we were visiting here that they explained to me the significance of it all. That this was the reason that my Papaw had to go fight in the war. That there were people killed on the ships we were going to see. This is probably the first time I ever remember going so deep in thought about and empathetically thinking about soldiers being killed in war that it hit a nerve. It was definitely a scary thought for me at 8 years old, but it truly struck a chord and fascinated me that I was in a place where something so historically iconic was right there. I have to say, it made me want to learn more, but of course, I knew I’d learn about it more the deeper I go into school. So, if you are wondering if this is a good place for kids to go, I have to say absolutely!

 

 

RMS Queen Mary

War ships anyone? This is one you’ll have to be SURE to check out! Located in Long Beach, CA, this very ship is now a 3-star hotel that you can actually stay at today! This is also the very ship that my Papaw Gooch and thousands of other soldiers of WWII took overseas from New York City to begin their journeys in combat. Some survived to make it back home, while others sadly and unfortunately did not. Because of it’s speed and camouflage, it was given the nickname of “The Grey Ghost“. After the war, the Queen Mary returned to her passenger duties until her retirement in 1967. She was sold to the city of Long Beach, California, where she became a hotel and museum. Today, the Queen Mary remains a historic landmark, attracting visitors from around the world.

My Experience(If Any)

In summer of 2013, me and my family took a family vacation out to California where we road tripped through the Southwestern United States. One of those stops, by request of my dad, was, of course, the Queen Mary! It’s the ship his father took to go fight in WWII, and he wanted his children to see it as well. I am glad he decided to do this, so 3 generations of our family could say we have been aboard the ship. I remember well walking around the ship and just how massive I thought that it was. As I walked around I made sure to check out all the exhibits on display, as well as all of the rooms that I could that were decked out to look exactly as they did during WWII. Every chance I got, I made sure to ask employees the questions I had, which they gave me the answers to. Unfortunately, one question that I wanted the answer to couldn’t be answered, and that was if I could find out which room exactly that my Papaw Gooch stayed in. Unfortunately, I couldn’t, but nonetheless, it was still a great experience. From the ship, you get beautiful city skyline views. I highly recommend this stop for anyone who had a parent or grandparent that boarded this ship during WWII. It’s truly a great way to look into the stories that your relative may have told. This past spring, during my nephew’s spring break, they were able to go too, making for 4 generations of our family to go on the ship. Unfortunately, I missed this trip!

 

 

U.S.S. Constitution

The U.S.S. Constitution, also known as “Old Ironsides,” is the oldest commissioned warship still afloat in the world. Launched in 1797, it was built to defend American trade routes during the early years of the United States. The ship played a significant role in the Barbary Wars and the War of 1812, where it gained fame for defeating five British warships. Its nickname, “Old Ironsides,” originated from the durability of its wooden hull, which reportedly withstood enemy cannonballs. Today, the U.S.S. Constitution is docked at the Charlestown Navy Yard in Boston, Massachusetts, as part of the Boston National Historical Park. Visitors can tour the ship, exploring its decks, crew quarters, and cannons while learning about its storied past. The ship is still an active commissioned vessel in the U.S. Navy, with periodic restorations and ceremonial voyages. The nearby museum offers additional exhibits on naval history and the ship’s role in American heritage.

My Experience(If Any)

The only experience I can speak of for this landmark is the fact that I walked past it back on a family trip in summer of 2015 while during a guided tour of Boston. Aside from that, I never did have the experience of going on it.

 

 

Gettysburg National Military Park

The Gettysburg National Military Park preserves the site of the Battle of Gettysburg, one of the most pivotal battles of the American Civil War. Fought from July 1-3, 1863, the battle resulted in a Union victory, marking a turning point in the war. Over 50,000 soldiers were killed, wounded, or went missing, and the battle is considered one of the bloodiest in American history. President Abraham Lincoln famously delivered the Gettysburg Address at the site later that year, reinforcing the nation’s commitment to freedom and equality. Today, visitors to Gettysburg National Military Park can explore the battlefield, which spans over 6,000 acres. The park offers guided tours, including walking, driving, and bus tours, with expert historians explaining key locations and events. The Gettysburg Museum and Visitor Center houses exhibits and artifacts, including the famous Gettysburg Cyclorama painting. The park also hosts ceremonies, reenactments, and educational programs, making it a significant historical and educational destination.

My Experience(If Any)

Unfortunately, when I visited, I could have cared less. To me, battlefields at that time were just fields and boring with no appeal. However, I feel that of all battlefields that you could visit in America, this is probably THE battlefield that you want to see, especially given its historical significance. From the Gettysburg Address to being one of the most pivotal battles in the war, it’s a hard one to beat!