World War II History at Arlington National Cemetery, A Guided Walking Tour

Eighty years ago, on September 2nd of 1945 the representatives of the Empire of Japan signed the formal surrender document that ended the Second World War. The Germans had surrendered in May of the same year. Between December of 1941 to September of 1945 our country was involved in a bitter struggle that spanned the globe. This two hour tour will look at some of the brave men and women who are members of the “Greatest Generation” and some of the battles they fought during WWII including:

The officer who served both under and as a superior to Gen. George S. Patton

Tuskegee Airmen who helped win the war in Europe and struggled for respect at home

Men involved in the battle considered the turning point of the war in the Pacific

Five-star generals and admirals and some of the most decorated soldiers in U.S. history

A world-famous sports hero who served his country during the war

The only Nobel Peace Prize recipient buried at Arlington

We will visit the Kennedy gravesite and discuss his tour in the Navy during the war.

The tour will end near the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier so that those who want to see the changing of the guard will be able to do so. The tour is two hours with lots of walking including up stairs and hills, so be prepared with water (which can be purchased on site), hat, sunscreen and walking shoes. There will be a brief history and overview of the cemetery as part of the introduction.

There is paid parking at the cemetery which is $3 per hour ($12 max) or use the Arlington Cemetery stop on the Metro’s Blue Line.

This is an in-person event at the cemetery and will not be streamed online.

Meet at entrance to the Woman in Military Service for America Memorial that is inside the cemetery. From the metro stop or the parking lot, go through security at the Welcome Center and walk up into the cemetery. At the first main road turn right and you will see the large stone structure that is the Women's Memorial. We'll meet outside of the front entrance. I will be wearing a light-colored broad brimmed hat with a black band.

If you are running late, look for us at the meeting point where I will give an introduction. Then we will walk up towards the Kennedy gravesite. We will stop at the equestrian statue of Sir John Dill before we get to the Kennedy gravesite to talk about Kennedy's experience in the war.

My name is Harry and I am a long-time resident of Northern Virginia. I have been leading specialized tours at the cemetery and other locations in the DC area since 2015. There is no upfront cost to the tour, but I will accept gratuities at the conclusion.