John F. Kennedy Eternal Flame, Arlington

The John F. Kennedy Eternal Flame is a solemn and poignant memorial that pays homage to the 35th President of the United States, John F. Kennedy. Located in Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia, just across the Potomac River from Washington D.C., this eternal flame burns brightly as a symbol of the enduring legacy of a leader taken too soon.

Kennedy was assassinated on November 22, 1963, in Dallas, Texas, and his body was laid to rest in Arlington National Cemetery on November 25, 1963. During the burial service, his wife, Jacqueline Kennedy, lit the flame which has continued to burn ever since. The site was designed by architect John Carl Warnecke and completed with the help of numerous advisors, including members of the Kennedy family.

The flame itself is an impressive sight. It burns at the head of the grave, placed in a circular fieldstone at the center of a five-foot circular flat-granite stone. The burner is a specially designed torch that allows the flame to withstand rain and wind, ensuring that it never extinguishes. It is both a literal and metaphorical beacon of inspiration and reflection.

The John F. Kennedy Eternal Flame is part of a larger gravesite that also includes the remains of Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis and two of their children. The site is marked by simple slate grave markers, and the area affords visitors a serene view of the capital's skyline.

For tourists interested in American history and the Kennedy legacy, the Eternal Flame is a must-see. The Arlington National Cemetery is open to the public, and the flame can be visited as part of a self-guided tour or with the help of a guide. The cemetery is also the final resting place of numerous other American figures and offers a poignant look into the nation's past.