Highlights from
Arlington National Cemetery:
Shrine to America’s Heroes

Robert E. Lee and his son, George Washington Custis Lee, shortly after Lee surrendered at Appomattox. Following his father’s death, the younger Lee sued to recover title to Arlington House—and won!

The mast of the USS Maine in Havana Harbor in 1898 was removed to Arlington Cemetery in 1912 to honor the 229 victims of the blast who are buried there.

General of the Armies John J. Pershing shared his rank with only one other American military leader—George Washington. 

In 1920, a new larger amphitheater was dedicated in Arlington as a place to honor our fallen heroes. In 1921, an unknown soldier from WWI was buried on its East Plaza, later joined by Unknowns from WWII, Korea, and Vietnam.

The grave of Audie Murphy, the most-decorated soldier in World War II, is seen by thousands of visitors each year. 

Heavyweight Champion Joe Louis is buried next to actor Lee Marvin in Section 7A. 

The Pentagon Group Burial Marker honors the 184 victims who lost their lives in the attack on the Pentagon on September 11, 2001. Sixty-four of them are buried in Arlington.

Section 60 in Arlington Cemetery is the final resting place for more than 450 men and women who lost their lives in the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. It has become among the most visited sections of the cemetery.