A number of memorials in the Arlington National Cemetery are of special interest to any member of a parachute unit. Some are aimed at recognition of large organizations such as the 82nd Airborne Division while a few are at the regiment level.
The 508th Parachute Infantry Regiment has a stand of memorial Blue Spruce trees which are prominent in their position directly to the east of the Memorial Amphitheatre (see map) and the Tomb of The Unknowns, the site honoring the 508th is easily located. The south end of the 21-step patrol line of the Old Guard member is only about 50 feet before the 508th memorial.
Tomb of The Unknowns (looking west) Located in front of the Memorial Amphitheatre at the head of these stairs is what may be the most famous part of Arlington National Cemetery.
Honor Guard Members of the elite Old Guardmarch with precision, 24 hours a day in tribute to the unknown soldiers and sailors buried here. They are dedicated to their duty. In fact, during Hurricane Isabel, Sept. 18, 2003, the Honor Guard was for the first time in history given permission to abandon their post. The guards on duty declined and stated that doing so was against their duty obligations.
508th Memorial Trees Located on the ellipse walkway immediately south of the Tomb Of The Unknowns, these Blue Spruce trees were planted by members of the 508th in October of 1982.
Memorial Trees Today Photo taken on the twentieth anniversary of the dedication (and the 60th anniversary of the unit's formation) shows that the memorial spruces have thrived in their home at Arlington.
508th Memorial Plaque This plaque is mounted next to the sidewalk and at the base of the largest tree It honors all members of the regiment who served in Europe and details the four theatres of combat for which the unit won battle stars.
82nd Airborne Memorial Located along the walkway on the south of the Memorial Amphitheater, this plaque honors all men of the 82nd who made the supreme sacrifice during WW-II..
Battle of the Bulge Memorial Dedicated to the men and women who participated in World War II's Battle of the Bulge.(located in Section 46 of the cemetery)
