Arlington, VA (CNN-iReport)

"Did all these people die in wars?",

An incredulous Klaatu (Mr. Carpenter) asks this of young Bobby Benson, as they stood in front of a rear-projected Arlington National Cemetery, in the sci-fi classic The Day The Earth Stood Still (1951). "Most of 'em", Bobby answers.

At the time the film was made, the current occupant of one of Arlington's most popular attractions was a young congressman from Massachusetts pondering a run for the Senate, with an eye on the Presidency.

This story is not just about a visit to Arlington, but also about Dad making good on a promise made over four years ago. After a short family vacation in 2005  to Washington, DC, on the way home I asked if anyone wanted to stop by Arlington to see the Kennedy graves. My youngest son, Rob, is a history buff and a JFK fan and wanted to go.

I tried. Totally perplexed by the complicated layout of the roads in DC and Northern Virginia, I drove around for what seemed like an eternity looking for the entrance to the cemetery. I even stopped at Fort Meyers and asked one of the guards for directions. I tried again, to no avail. Finally, beyond aggravated, I made the decision to go home but promised Rob that one day, we would return.

Fast-forward to August 2009, and while watching Teddy's funeral, we made plans to visit Arlington on October 10. As a frequent Amtrak rider, I had accumulated enough frequent rider points for us to make a day trip to DC and take the Metro to the cemetery.

The first thing we noticed when we came out of the Metro station was how ridiculously easy it should have been to find the place by car. We then went into the cemetery, walked around and found the Kennedy graves, and the Tomb of the Unknowns. I was surprised at the size of the crowds that still visit the Kennedy site 46 years on. We also witnessed two wreath-laying ceremonies at the Tomb of the Unknowns.

This assignment is "Visit a graveyard" but Arlington National Cemetery is much more than just a graveyard. It is the final resting place of two Presidents, many other famous Americans, and most important, many ordinary Americans who gave their lives in the service of their country. The sight of rows upon rows of gravestones is a sobering and moving experience, especially when you take a look at the dates and do the math - too young to die.

I would recommend for anyone visiting the DC area to make a trip to Arlington National Cemetery. There is much history to be seen, magnificent vistas of the District of Columbia, and the opportunity to reflect and honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice.