Where Valor Rests: Arlington National Cemetery

Stunning pictures and moving text combine to give you an awe inspiring tour of probably the most revered area of the United States. You may have visited Arlington on a tour of Washington D.C., but Rick Atkinson and National Geographic takes you past the tourists and delivers a book that shows the care, dedication, and honor that envelopes the cemetery. Contents: Preface Essay History Final March Autumn People Caring Salutes Ceremony Sacrifice Tomb Guards Services Afterglow Afterword About the Contributors Photography Credits Beginning with the history of Arlington, which was once General Robert E. Lee's estate, and ending with pictures of Arlington at night, Where Valor Rests: Arlington National Cemetery is a beautiful, lovingly photographed book. The Afterword tells you that after every internment, this book, along with the flag, are given to the family. And I can see why. I've been to Arlington, but not the Arlington presented in this book. That Arlington is populated with people that dedicate themselves to the care, maintenance, history, ceremony, and protection of 300,000 graves of the fallen. Exquisitely photographed, this book brings you more than a tour ever could. You see the cemetery in all seasons, you see veterans of World War II honoring their comrades, you witness the burials of soldiers who served in Iraq and Afghanistan (Section 60). You learn that ever since July 2, 1937, every minute of every day, someone has guarded the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Every. Single. Day. Think about that for a moment. There are pictures that show the guards in snow, at night, and other times when not a single other soul is in the cemetery. It was difficult for me to read the captions on those pictures. While I have read a few books this year, none of them affected me like this one. None of them included pictures like the ones that are in this book. This is an amazing tribute to Arlington National Cemetery, the 300,000 interred, and those who protect, care, and serve within its boundaries. An incredible work. One that everyone should experience.

This book is a proper and fitting tribute to the fallen and those that care for their final resting place. The photography throughout the book is stunning. The images capture the events that shape our country. The viewer is captivated by the power of the emotion that has been caught on film. As a veteran I am proud to know that there are people who care enough to tell this story in such a fitting manner. This book will be a cherished part of my collection.

Lush beautiful photography mixed with text that is well written and touching would best describe this book. Some of the decades most famous photographers have put together an amazing book that honors the men and women who have given everything for our country. As a professional photographer, it is my humble opnion that this is one of the finest Photo books produced this century. When you are done with the book, you will feel an intimate knowledge and connection to Arlington and the men and women buried there, as well as the small army of people who dedicate their lives to our National Cemetary.

A wonderful and moving commentary on this sacred site. Great photos add to this beautiful book.

If you want to know more about Arlington National Cemetery, this is a MUST. Beautifully written and stunning photographs. My loved ones are buried at Arlington and I spend quite a bit of time there, yet this book still moved me to tears. The book product itself is elegant enough to display in your home or office. You cannot go wrong with purchasing this book. It is a true keepsake.