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Edward Kennedy

Posted in Arlington National Cemetery with tags , , on March 10, 2014 by Cade

emk1February 22, 1932 – August 25, 2009

The youngest (and longest-surviving) of the Kennedy brothers, Edward “Ted” Kennedy had, perhaps, even more of an impact on American politics than his siblings thanks to said longevity. He served in the U.S. Senate representing Massachusetts for 47 years. He was a leader in Democratic party and came to be known as the “Lion of the Senate.” But, he was a Kennedy and Kennedys don’t get a free pass, so of course, his life had its struggles.  In 1969, the infamous Chappaquiddick incident resulted in a car in a Martha’s Vineyard tidal channel and the death of his companion, Mary Jo Kopechne. The incident was a national scandal, naturally, and firmly put the brakes on any Presidential aspirations Teddy would have had. Continue reading →

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Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis

Posted in Arlington National Cemetery with tags , on November 19, 2013 by Cade

kennedyoJuly 28, 1929 – May 19, 1994

Jacqueline Lee Bouvier Kennedy Onassis skyrocketed to international attention as the glamorous wife of the 35th President of the United States, John F. Kennedy. However, in the years after JFK’s assassination, Jackie did not fade away and maintained a relatively high profile. In 1968, she married shipping magnate, Aristotle Onassis, and became – now, no longer entitled to Secret Service protection – a popular target for photographers and paparazzi. After Onassis died in 1975, Jackie committed herself to personal work. She worked as an editor and spent a lot of time campaigning for the preservation of historic landmarks and architecture. Continue reading →

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Lee Marvin

Posted in Arlington National Cemetery with tags , on October 2, 2013 by Cade

marvin1February 19, 1924 – August 29, 1987

PFC Lee Marvin earned a Purple Heart for being wounded in action on an island in the Pacific during World War II. That’s enough excitement in one lifetime for most people.

But, not for Lee. In his post-war years, Marvin sort of stumbled into a career as an actor and over the following 4 decades, slowly built himself into a top-billed star. Bit parts as tough guys and soldiers gave way to more substantive roles which, eventually, gave way to iconic turns in in films like The Dirty Dozen (with Telly Savalas, Donald Sutherland and Charles Bronson) and The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance (opposite John Wayne and Jimmy Stewart). Continue reading →

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Joe Louis

Posted in Arlington National Cemetery with tags , on October 1, 2013 by Cade

louis1May 13, 1914 – April 12, 1981

Joe Louis was arguably the greatest heavyweight boxer of all time. Toward the very top, at least. It just so happened that the “Brown Bomber” was also one of the most influential figures of the 20th Century. Joseph Louis Barrow became one of the, if not the, first black national heroes due not only to his dominating presence in the ring, but also to his honest and hardworking persona. Louis also gained international fame when he lost (his first as a professional) to German, Max Schmeling in 1936. The Nazis used Schmeling’s victory to promote the dominance of the so-called Aryian Race. So, Louis fought Schmeling again two years later…and knocked him out in 2 minutes. Louis defended his Heavyweight Title 25 times and held it for 140 months (that’s almost 12 years, for those of you like me who suck at math.) He joined the Army during World War II but never saw combat as the powers that be decided he was better suited to boost morale in the Special Services.  He also integrated golf…you know…just for good measure.

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William Howard Taft

Posted in Arlington National Cemetery with tags , on September 15, 2013 by Cade

taft1September 15, 1857 – March 8, 1930

William Howard Taft was the only U.S. President (27th) to also serve as the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court (10th). Prior to becoming either, Taft was a lawyer, Governor-General of the Philippines and Secretary of War under President Teddy Roosevelt. He is probably remembered most for his weight, though he lost a good amount once he left the White House. He also suffered from sleep apnea and high blood pressure. Continue reading →

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Dick Scobee

Posted in Arlington National Cemetery with tags , on May 30, 2013 by Cade

scobee1

May 19, 1939 – January 28, 1986

Commander of the Space Shuttle Challenger on its ill-fated final mission, Francis Richard “Dick” Scobee was an Air Force pilot and astronaut. A combat pilot during the Vietnam war, Scobee became a test pilot and was eventually selected to be a part of NASA’s Space Shuttle Program. He piloted Challenger on a successful mission – his only other – two years prior to the disaster. On January 28th, 1986, after a number of weather-related delays and under high pressure to get the shuttle into space to inaugurate the Teacher In Space program, Challenger finally lifted off. Continue reading →

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Audie Murphy

Posted in Arlington National Cemetery with tags on May 26, 2013 by Cade

audie2

June 20, 1925 – May 28, 1971

Lieutenant Audie Leon Murphy was perhaps the most famous and one of the most decorated infantry soldiers from World War II. During his tours in the Mediterranean and Europe, Murphy received a number of honors including, but certainly not limited to, a Medal of Honor, THREE Purple Hearts, Silver Stars, Bronze Stars, a Legion of Merit…you get the picture. Audie Murphy was not messing around.  He was a true hero.

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