Arlington National Cemetery : Shrine to America's Heroes

by James Edward Peters

Traces the history of the national cemetery and offers profiles of some of the prominent American's buried there

Genres: Military Fiction, American History, 19th Century, History

333 pages, Paperback

First published December 31, 1987

Reviews

[Christine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Crossposted at Booklikes

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.

[Robert · Rating 3 out of 5]

I purchased this on a visit to Arlington in the late 1990s. I had traveled to meet my sister and her children prior to their visit to my home. We spent time at the graves of our relatives.

The book has snippets of many famous Americans buried at Arlington. It is an interesting read.

[Marlyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wonderful little book. Full of minutiae. Have been there several times but had no idea of the depth or past history of Arlington.

[Stephen · Rating 4 out of 5]

All the info you want about the cememtary, without rifling through the National Archives.

[Allen Perry · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book provides a great overview of the history. Wonderful short biographies of many of the heroes buried there and excellent miscellaneous information about the cemetery. I originally purchased the book for its key to the religious symbols found on the tombstones throughout the cemetery. If you are planning a visit or you've been there a dozen times like I have you will find great information in this book.

[Kathy Franklin · Rating 4 out of 5]

An excellent compendium, but fact checking needed for military topics

[John · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great overview of one of our nations most sacred places. Learned many things I didn't know and hopefully I will be able to see them on my next trip to the capital.