Ep 24. Garden of the Dead: The Story of Arlington Cemetery

The show Civil War Journal season 2 episode 24 explores the history of Arlington Cemetery, known as one of the most hallowed grounds in America. The episode titled "Garden of the Dead: The Story of Arlington Cemetery" begins with a brief summary of the Civil War, and how the Union soldiers fared in combat against the Confederacy. Soon, the episode delves into the origins of Arlington Cemetery, which was established on the grounds of the former estate of Robert E. Lee, the Confederate General who led the South during the Civil War.

The episode narrates how Robert E. Lee's home was confiscated by the Union Army after he resigned his commission and joined the Confederate Army. When Union General Montgomery Meigs discovered that the estate was being used as a gravesite for Confederate soldiers, he ordered that it be turned into a national cemetery for Union soldiers, with the intent of making sure Lee could never return to his home after the war. The program depicts how the cemetery was still being used as a burial site even after the end of the Civil War, as more and more soldiers were killed in America's battles throughout the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

"Garden of the Dead: The Story of Arlington Cemetery" details how the cemetery was created as a place of healing and remembrance, dedicated to the fallen soldiers who gave their lives serving the United States from the Revolutionary War to present day. The episode explains how Arlington Cemetery grew to become a symbol of the nation's gratitude and respect for those who serve in the military.

The show describes how the cemetery's garden-like setting was designed to be a place of peace and quiet reflection, with a variety of memorials and tombs for soldiers and public figures alike. The program also explores various aspects of the cemetery, including its official military guard, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, and the Arlington House, which is situated at the crest of the cemetery and overlooks the nation's capital.

"Garden of the Dead: The Story of Arlington Cemetery" takes an unconventional approach in exploring the topic of the nation's premier military cemetery, focusing not only on the physical landscape but on the stories of the soldiers buried there. The program features interviews with historians and experts on the history of the cemetery, as well as with veterans who have visited it.

The episode concludes with a reflection on the importance of The Garden of the Dead as a symbol of the ultimate sacrifice made by America's servicemen and women. The camera lingers on the graves, reflecting the stories of the fallen soldiers, their loved ones and the country at large. Throughout the program, "Garden of the Dead: The Story of Arlington Cemetery" examines the legacy and the meaning of the nation's memorial to the men and women who have served and continue to serve their country.