Arlington National Cemetery's Education Program is now on Canvas!  Learn More
 
Arts and Culture
When many think of Arlington National Cemetery, they think of stories of wartime bravery and the people buried here who performed those acts of bravery. They may not immediately think about art and the artists buried here who used their talents to create. But just as the United States is diverse, so too is the military and military family members. Many artists — some who served in the military and some who did not — are buried or honored here. This learning module explores their lasting legacies.

Walking Tour: Arts and Culture

This walking tour honors a selection of artists buried at Arlington: writers, actors, photographers, musicians, and more. They created for different reasons, at different times, and with different backgrounds, but they all shared a need to create and express who they were and how they saw the world through their work.
  • Distance: ~3 miles 
  • Exertion Level: Moderate
  • Starting point: Section 2 (.4 miles from Welcome Center) 

Lesson Plans: Composing a Bugle Call

Buglers sound the call “Taps” to close military funerals many times a day at Arlington National Cemetery, and military bases use bugle calls throughout the day to signal different events. In these lesson plans, students listen to and analyze bugle calls and their purpose before composing their own “bugle call.” 

Lesson Plans: Analyzing Musical Form

Arlington National Cemetery honors two legendary American composers/ bandleaders: James Reese Europe and Glenn Miller. In this lesson, students will be introduced to these musicians and listen to a piece of their music. Teachers may choose to cover just one piece or both. The lesson can be started with an optional introduction to military music.