Thank Park Service Lady!

Arlington National Cemetery: Shrine to America's Heroes - James E. Peters

I have to give a big thank you to the National Park Worker who recommended this book.  Thank you, Ma’am, you were so right.

                I picked this up last year when I visited the Cemetery. 

                The book is a comprehensive guide to Arlington.  It includes a history (brief) of the property as well the family.  Then there is a history of the Cemetery itself – including the fact that for a time it housed escape slaves on part of the property.  There is a section of 100 people, notables and unusual people buried or remembered.  Each of these 100 is given a biography and includes not only the Kennedy clan (Jackie O is one of only two first ladies buried on the site) but  Wild Bill Donovan, Richard Byrd, Matthew Hensen, Joe Louis, Lee Maarvin and others.  There is second listing of more notables (no biographies).  Finally there is a detailed description of the major moments, including a history of each, criteria for burial and description of services.  There is also a map, a guide to symbols, and a listing of ranks broken down by the type of service.  The writing is friendly and there are many neat facts.

                Honestly, if you are planning to visit or have visited, get this book.