A SOLDIER'S PERSPECTIVE
THE WEB'S LEADING MILITARY BLOG SINCE 2004
As I wrote, I took my FIL to Arlington National Cemetary yesterday. For those that have never seen the Tomb or the changing of the guard, I’ve created three videos to show you how professional, disciplined, and respectful those Soldiers are that are assigned to this solemn duty.
The first video is simply of the Guard marching his perimeter and guarding the unknowns buried within the tomb. The Guard takes 21 steps from one side of the tomb to the other. He waits 21 second, then turns and moves to the other side. The number 21 is indicative of the respectful 21 gun salute military honor. This is done 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Prior to the changing of the guard, the SGT of the guard (in this case the assistant relief commander) will come out and an announce the solemn ceremony that is about to take place.
Between March 15 and September 30, the guard is changed out every half hour. During the winter, the changeout occurs every hour. After the cemetary closes, when no one is watching, the guard shift lasts two hours until it opens again the next morning. The guard change takes a total of about ten minutes. This is just a small part of the practice. The Sergeant of the Guard is in the middle, the outgoing guard is to the left, and the incoming guard is to the right.
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I am posting this in case someone by the name of susan just goes to th
Miss Ladybug
I’ve been to DC twice as an adult. I find myself drawn to Arlington and the Tomb of the Unknowns. In addition to observing the Changing of the Guard, I’ve been privileged to witness two wreath-laying ceremonies. One of those was truly special. It was a group from the Italian-American Veterans Association. In addition to the standard guard and escort, there were more of the Old Guard (two platoons?) that came up on each side of the Tomb from below. It truly is an amazing sight.
Terri
I was able to wittness the Changing Of The Guard the summer before I moved from Maryland to Texas. It’s quite impressive.
Karen
I got to see it years ago when I visited DC. Chills went up my spine as I watched.
CommanderMom
Yes, a spine-chilling experience indeed. One of the most, if not *the* most memorable trips our family has ever taken.
An FYI, also, there is some great info on arlingtoncemetery.org/ceremonies/index.html in re: to what it takes to have the honor of being an Old Guard Sentinel. Very impressive. There are some urban legends out there, but the FAQs are found at the above mentioned site.
CommanderMom
Oh and thanks for sharing the videos, CJ.
Civilian Anthony
I finally got to see Arlington Cemetary about a year and a half ago. All adult Americans should go there at least once. It is a very humbling experience to be among so many heroes who have given their lives for our freedom.
Donna
Thanks CJ for the videos.
I was privileged to go to DC a long time ago when my husband was serving in the Army in Maryland. It was truly awesome to see the changing of the guards and seeing Arlington Cemetary. Also all the great monuments in Washington. It was a great experience that I will never forget!
Leonard L. Gyles
Being a WWII Veteran is was a very moving moment for me to see this changing of the Guards.
What dedication these men have to do this.