Arlington National Cemetery

Directions

From Washington D.C., take the blue/silver/orange line metro to the Arlington Cemetery station. Directions are well laid out from the station.

Photo Spot Details

The moment you step onto these hallowed grounds, you instantly feel that wave of emotion hit you. I wanted to talk a bit about the feature photograph here because I think this is the best photograph I have taken so far.

It was around 12:30 PM some time in October 2014 when I received the tornado alert telling me to take shelter. The nearest building happened to be the Amphitheater by the Tomb of the Unknown. I got into the building just in time to avoid the rain. As many of you know, the Tomb is guarded by the Sentinels of the 3rd Infantry Division 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. As the rain really started to pick up, I thought the Sentinel would take cover in the small post. I was wrong. The Sentinel pictured here carried out his duty as if nothing was happening.

I hate rain. I hate getting wet even more. But at that moment, I was in the rain snapping photos of the Sentinel for a good minute or two, showering in the downpour. I wanted to capture this powerful moment.

Any political implications aside, sacrificing your life for a cause and for your country is one of the noblest manifestation of selflessness. As I walked through the cemetery, I constantly heard the 21 gun salute. I saw families congregated and praying for the departed. I saw mothers weep as they were handed the folded flag. I dared not limit those moments to my camera. I thought I would be doing them every kind of injustice if I even attempted to do so.

Everyday, some valiant warrior gives his or her life so that we can sleep safe at night. It is with utmost deference and sincere gratitude that I share this photo as a best photo spot.