JudithM
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Dec 5, 1999
I had an opportunity yesterday to visit Arlington National Cemetery. I called the day before to find out about hanidcapped parking, bringing cameras, etc. Some government tourist areas in DC have special requirements for those using a tripod with their camera - none here as long as you are not a professional photographer.
When we drove to the Cemetery entance, security saw my handicapped tag & stopped us to tell us about getting the special parking permit at the Visitor's Center. The process was very easy. I took my handicapped hanging tag with me, the security lady added my name & number to a list, I signed my name & she handed me a parking pass.
We could have parked in the parking lot ($1.25 for the first three hours & I think $2 for each additional hour) & taken the Tourmobile ($6) or walked through the Cemetery. With the permit, we were able to drive through the Cemetery. The lady gave me a map & highlighted the roads to use & the parking spots.
We stopped first at the Kennedy graves. Handicapped signs for parking were obvious. There are a few steps to JFK's gravesite, but the access to the steps is accessible. On our way to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier we stoped briefly at the monument to the USS Maine. At the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier the parking was right in front of the Amphitheater (the tomb is directly behind it). Nearby our parking spot were the grave of Audie Murphy & the memorials to the Challenger & Columbia shuttles & the Iran Rescue Mission in 1980. Our last stop was near the Arlington/Lee House. We didn't visit the house, but we stopped at the monument to those who died in the bombing of Pan AM 103.
If you have an opportunity to visit Arlington National Cemetery & have a handicapped parking permit, don't hesitate.
When we drove to the Cemetery entance, security saw my handicapped tag & stopped us to tell us about getting the special parking permit at the Visitor's Center. The process was very easy. I took my handicapped hanging tag with me, the security lady added my name & number to a list, I signed my name & she handed me a parking pass.
We could have parked in the parking lot ($1.25 for the first three hours & I think $2 for each additional hour) & taken the Tourmobile ($6) or walked through the Cemetery. With the permit, we were able to drive through the Cemetery. The lady gave me a map & highlighted the roads to use & the parking spots.
We stopped first at the Kennedy graves. Handicapped signs for parking were obvious. There are a few steps to JFK's gravesite, but the access to the steps is accessible. On our way to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier we stoped briefly at the monument to the USS Maine. At the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier the parking was right in front of the Amphitheater (the tomb is directly behind it). Nearby our parking spot were the grave of Audie Murphy & the memorials to the Challenger & Columbia shuttles & the Iran Rescue Mission in 1980. Our last stop was near the Arlington/Lee House. We didn't visit the house, but we stopped at the monument to those who died in the bombing of Pan AM 103.
If you have an opportunity to visit Arlington National Cemetery & have a handicapped parking permit, don't hesitate.