I won a writing contest in middle school, and was selected to lay a wreath at the tomb during one of their special ceremonies. It was 2 boys and 2 girls. We had to wear nice clothes, button down shirt and slacks with dress shoes. When we got there they took us to a side room (I'm guessing it was the room where they got ready for their shift), told us what to do, and how to behave. They were nice, but VERY serious especially when telling us how to act. After we placed it we were told we could either salute or put our hand over our heart. It was a really cool experience, it's been almost 20 years but I'll never forget it
The Guard is changed every thirty minutes during the summer (April 1 to Sep 30) and every hour during the winter (Oct 1 to Mar 31). During the hours the cemetery is closed, the guard is changed every 2 hours.
Also to clear it up, the railings are never down, and you can never get closer than that. And the sentinel is constantly marching back and forth the whole shift (30min-1hr). And you're never allowed to be loud or very talkative. Correct me if I'm wrong
"While guarding the tomb... Sentinels do not display rank insignia. This is done so as not to outrank the Unknown Soldier, whatever their rank may have been." THAT shot me through the heart. What respect! Whoever thought of that, I salute you. Peace.
I mean, just after he said that we could see a Tomb Guard with their rank insignia (Staff Sergeant) but I believe It is only the Relief Commander who wears it as during their small speech at the start of the ceremonies they say their rank and name.
My grandfather was a sentinel at the tomb. He was highly decorated, a survivor of Omaha beach and earned a Purple Heart. Definitely the greatest generation.
The tomb guard continually walks the black mat, performing the 21 seconds rituals for the entire shift, 1 full hour between October 1 and March 31st (winter hours) and half an hour between April 1 and September (summer hours). After the cemetery closes to the public, the shift is 2 full hours of continuous marching and performing the rituals: Marches 21 steps south down the 63-foot-long black mat laid across the Tomb. Turns and faces east, toward the Tomb, for 21 seconds. Turns and faces north, changes weapon to the outside shoulder, and waits 21 seconds. Marches 21 steps down the mat. Turns and faces east for 21 seconds. Turns and faces south, changes weapon to the outside shoulder, and waits 21 seconds. Repeats the routine until the soldier is relieved of duty at the Changing of the Guard.
My father was in WWII, the Korean War, and Vietnam. Soldiers need to be respected. The freedom we are so proud of was bought with the blood of our military.
7:20 Not only disrespecting the tomb but also the guards. As an American, I often think the same when you see someone disrespecting a member of the Queen's Guard. They deserve as much respect as any other soldier. Are British soldiers not held at a higher honor than that? It's disgusting to see such disrespect.
Thankyou , I agree our guards are serving soldiers too and have to put up with stupid tourists all the time 😡 a lot of foreign tourists think they are there just for show but they are protecting our queen , at the tower of london they are guarding the crown jewels. 🙂✌
@Clare Gale I visits London in 2006 for a semester abroad and one of the professors took several students on a walking tour of a section of London and we went to one of Prince Charles’ homes and it was being guarded. The teacher told us the guards are not tour guides, they have served in th military and it is considered to be selected as a Queen’s guard. I do remember him saying, don’t touch the man
We have a heavily trained non-combat group on guard 24/7, to maintain the dignity of an unidentified soldier from roughly a century ago, with no end date in mind. We pay them to command the most free people in the world to be respectful and quiet, and they abide. Even if we fall, always remember what freedom looked like in the 20th and early 21st century, and go forward.
Fun fact, Tomb Guards carry "live" bayonets which are sharp enough to shave your face with, as well as real ammunition in their rifles. When they rack the operating handle on their rifle they are chambering a live round, and they WILL use it.
I have seen the changing of the guard three times in person. I watched many videos of it including in slow motion. When the Sentinel prepares his rifle to be inspected by the sergeant, he clearly racks the bolt which them slams shut for inspection. The bolt does not lock back. There should be only two reasons why the bolt does not lock when retracted. One is that there is no magazine (and there is obviously no standard magazine in the weapon) and a second, there is a magazine that has a round in it. If the Sentinel racks the bolt a second time such as if challenging someone, it would eject the already loaded live round. Even if they had some special made flush magazine, it would load a live round during inspection. I am not saying that they are not armed in some manner such as a hidden magazine, magazines in a shelter or maybe a concealed handgun. I see no way that the Sentinel is walking post with a loaded weapon. I am certainly not against it but watching the ceremony, I don’t see how they have a loaded magazine in the weapon.
There definitely is no live ammunition in those rifles. You’d see it rack a round into the chamber or at least see a round in the clip during the initial inspection of the weapon. They may carry handguns but the main rifle is empty.
When I witnessed this ceremony, you could hear a pin drop, and everyone was extremely respectful. I did not witness a sentinel reprimand anyone, and that's a good thing.
When my school went there were some kids that were acting up in the back of the stands, and a sentinel went up behind them and gave them donkeys behind about not being respectful.
It unfortunately happened last month both by the sentinel and then by me. Dealt with a "Karen" and her kids who not only refused to stand for the ceremony, but "Karen" decided to talk and loudly during it. When the sentinel told her to be quiet she was about to pull the "Karen" attitude before I told her to shut the hell up. Was about to let me have it till she turned around and noticed the shoulder boards with three 1/2" gold stripes on my uniform. I still let into her after the ceremony ended and we were away from the tomb a respectful distance.
I never knew the part about the guards not wearing anything that denotes rank so they would not outrank the unknown soldiers. It brought tears to my eyes and goose bumps. I always wanted to join the military but having Epilepsy prevented that. my thanks go out to all that have and are in service to this great country and all of our allies.
I’m sorry you were not able to serve due to medical reasons. I’m sure you would have made a fine solider!! It’s your spirit that we need, not only in our military, but also our civilian population!!
@@MacPhotoGuy79I also couldn't serve due to medical issues. I have always honored and respected all service members. The thought of what they give up so willingly is humbling. My brother and I were in a youth group back in the 80's . We sang Christmas Carols at the Lebanon Pennsylvania VA Hospital. In the locked wards him and I met 2 men who still thought that they were in a German pow camp. I never felt so Indebted and sad at the same time. These men gave up their sanity for everyone. How do you pay them back for that?
You will see the green "shelter" near The Tomb. That is where they will stay during bad weather, etc. It looks like a phone booth. When the soldier is walking, you can sit on the steps and have very quiet, respectful conversations, but when it's time for the changing of the guard, you MUST stand and be quiet (unless you are handicapped and unable to stand).
So I was selected to take part in a wreath laying ceremony (one of the 7 ceremonies referred to in the video) and even in that capacity there were very strict rules about what to say, where to stand, how to stand, how to dress. This is a place of high honor. Both of my parents rest at Arlington Naitonal Cemetery, and there is a code of conduct for all visitors to the grounds, the Tomb of the Unknown even more so.
the guards are changed every 1/2 hour in the summer months and every hour in the winter. and after hours (when the tomb is NOT open to the public) the guards are changed every 2 hours
I used to live in Maryland and trips in to DC were a normal weekend excursion. Arlington was a favorite. You can kind of see it in the videos but you can really see it in person. But look at the concrete around the mat and leading away from the mat. It is discolored. It is rust stained from the clacks that the sentinels and sergeants wear on the inside of their gate to make that crisp snap when they bring their feet together. The discoloring is only at certain spots. Meaning that for as long as they've worn clacks, their gate has been exactly the same. Think about that for a minute.
@@mothygryphon9111 I could be wrong, but if you move the mat I believe the wear pattern is really detailed underneath, that's why the mat is there cause they started putting divots in the ground with each step
When I was in the army, I did flag detail at 1700 every day. We took the flag down, folded it, and march it to base headquarters....NO ONE was allowed in out way as we marched it back. yes, we did carry live ammo in our rifles
Every day when the flag is retired for the evening people on post stop their cars in the middle of the road, get out of the vehicle and show proper respect until the ceremony is done if it is safe to do so. I know that's not special to where I was but I don't think a lot of people understand the level of honor and pride that is felt and displayed every day by US soldiers. We love us some 'murica.
if you were wondering about why they were using lighters on the uniforms its kept close to the material without actually touching it so that it burns off fibers and lint to ensure a flawless and tight look.
These guys are SERIOUS - I visited once back in the days of really slow GPS or as you would call it SATNAV - and I pulled into the actual military base part of Arlington by mistake when the GPS told me too. The guy at the booth asked for my ID. I simply said I made a wrong turn and want to turn around. Then he said it again.... way more forcefully and put his hand on his gun. I never pulled my passport out so fast in my life - I then had to wait in a line of sniffer dogs and general military security to ask to then turn around... the whole process took about 40 minutes.
Mr Beesley, would you please buy a splitter and get Millie her own headphones for crying out loud! I mean it’s been long enough. She deserves her own! 😉
Yes I just started watching them an I noticed they were sharing a pair of earphones. And then I saw your comment about it. I thought it to be quiet amusing. Couldn't have said it better myself. Much 💕 from the bayou state.
I've been to Arlington a number of time, including the burial of a friend who is interred there. During my last visit I was photographing the changing of the guard with my 35mm camera. It makes a clicking, shutter sound, when you take an image. After taking a few images, and making that noise a few times, the guard stopped, looked directly at me, and reminded me I was on sacred ground. I put my camera away.
@@cp368productions2 I have 35mm cameras and you can’t “turn off” the shutter slapping. You can turn the sound off on the fake shutter sounds in a DSLR, iPhone, etc.
I went to Arlington and was fortunate to observe the "Changing of the Guard." There was absolute silence and respect throughout, as it should always be!
The military guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is changed in an elaborate ceremony which happens every hour on the hour from October 1 through March 31, and every half hour from April 1 through September 30 That was directly from the Arlington national cemetery website Each sentinel during their guard walks 21 steps down the mat turns 90 degrees facing away from the public and stands for 21 second. They then turn 90 degrees again and repeat the process.
About the child (or anyone) who gets in the way of a military formation... Even if it's accidental or if it's a child the soldiers have to continue on in formation because there's usually a line of people or equipment behind them that's going to keep moving along. The world is NOT going to stop for one ignorant person. If lucky they'll be pushed aside or yelled at to clear the way in time. Children are likely to get trampled because they won't be seen until the last moment by people who are further back in line, so people NEED to keep track of their kids at events like that. No soldier wants that to happen, believe me. I feel sorry for the child, but I blame ONLY the parents. I served in The Old Guard years ago and I can easily see that playing out in a street parade
I’ve attended this ceremony, and the sentinel had to reprimand some in the crowd for talking and going being the rail. Its a very solemn, eery service, that made me feel nervous. Arlington National cemetery is an interesting place to visit.
Some of that training footage was actually training for the “Silent Drill” team of the US Army. The Marines also have a Silent Drill team, it’s definitely something that you should react to!
You know, friends, I was just talking about the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier today with a friend in Finland. I'm not warlike and not super bellicose or overly patriotic but you definitely do not screw with the place of the Dead. It's not the disrespect that one should have. Cheers Brits from US, thanks for all your content.
Even in marching band, if someone got in our way, we were supposed to march right over them. Over horse poop too. It's very military. When I carried the American Flag, a judge was tugging on it trying to get me to move. I didn't at all. It teaches you to be focused.
I've been there 4 or 5 times. it is so solemn and respectful. the whole Arlington Cemetery makes you realize how many sacrificed for our lives. I've heard these men spend all of their time downstairs preparing their uniforms and studying. It is an amazing honor for a soldier.
I'll always remember this ceremony with so much respect. So honored to have been there. It's so serious and quiet. Definitely tears, it's so moving. They're the best 🇺🇲❤⚓
Very impressive Massive amounts of discipline required for this kind of duty... Also a huge level of respect being shown for all fallen soldiers by these men and women that serve on this detail
It’s already been answered I would think but the guard does the Walk in repetition as long as he is on duty - 21 steps across the mat, turn to face the Tomb, pause for 21 seconds, turn, walk 21 steps back, turn to face the Tomb, pause for 21 seconds, turn, walk again. Guards are on for 30 minutes before a change during the summer months, one hour the rest of the year as long as the cemetery is open. I think a night shift - while the cemetery is closed - will run two hours. Please correct any errors. Believe me, I take it as seriously as they do.
Yes. The number 21 represents a 21-gun salute, the highest military salute that can be given in the US. And the sentinel always carries their rifle on the shoulder nearest to the spectators, symbolizing that they are guarding against anyone who would disturb the tomb. So they change shoulders every time they turn around. Also, the inspection that occurs during the changing ceremony is not just for show. I once saw a video of a sentinel getting sent back because they had failed inspection. Since these are elite ceremonial guards, I would expect that is a very rare occurrence.
@@tommyodonnell9 Perhaps "inspection" is not the right word. I have seen video of what I thought was the next guard being checked out before his shift. I thought I also saw similar attention to detail as someone shouted "10 minutes" and everyone replied likewise. Am I mis-interpreting? Thanks
@@OhRonaldo New men call out "quarter 'til" 15 minutes until the next guard change. I believe what you're referring to is when you are bloused before going out the door. Someone (usually a new man) tucks the blouse into the belt and makes sure the blouse is straight. You are then taped off to ensure there is absolutely nothing - like lint or hair - is anywhere on the uniform.
Contingencies include sheltering in a small shelter (you can see them, they look a little like portapotties or what the stationary Queen's Guard use during inclement weather) and since Arlington belongs to the military there's a very significant presence of CCTV, law enforcement and other patrols. While they generally leave Tomb stuff to the Tomb Guards if something really big happened and a Tomb Guard use their bayonet for some reason or whatever, a rapid response crew of SWAT officers would be present extremely quickly. Same with unattended bag, etc. It's kind of like inside the barrier and around the Tomb is strictly Tomb Guard only unless something crazy happens and outside the chains if there's reason for something to be done it's handled by police from the Defense Department.
The shelter is called the Box. MPs patrol and react to situations at the Tomb and ANC (but for a major incident, all law enforcement from surrounding jurisdictions as well as Federal enforcement would respond).
I was Honor Guard Co. 3rd U.S. INF. (T.O.G.) from 1998-2001. It is the Army’s official ceremonial unit and escort to the President. The Presidential marching platoon ( E.co.1st. Platoon, contains all soldiers between 6ft. 5in.to 6ft. 8in.tall. It’s quite impressive to see 54 soldiers marching in dress blues ( the uniform seen in the video) and it can be quite intimidating. All newly arriving ambassadors see this when the arrive at the White House or Pentagon for the first time.The cut off for applying to the Tomb Guards is 6ft. 4in. tall. At 6’ 7” I was the “A” typical or near average height for Honor Guard co. In the Presidential marching Plt. A co. - D co. Consists of soldiers between 6ft 2in.- 6ft.4in. tall. They mostly do burials and wreath ceremonies in Arlington, but all Companies come together to do certain ceremonies together throughout the year. “Gardens of Stone” is a really good movie to see, as it is the story of a soldier in The Old Guard during the Vietnam War. Many of the scenes feature real footage of Honor Guard soldiers in drill and ceremony and of Ft. Myer where they are stationed.
As others have said, they do change the guard regularly 30 minutes to an hour depending on season. However, the same group will rotate throughout their shift. A shift is 24 hours and multiple guards will cover the "Changing of the Guard" throughout that 24-hour shift. Then a new group takes the next 24 hours and so on.
The Tomb is in the middle of one of the largest cemeteries in the world. I have served with guys who were tomb guards and they have to Ignore what they see and hear at night. And they see and hear plenty. Back when they had standards they wanted me for the old guard but I was an inch too short. I'm 5'11".
The Guard is changed every thirty minutes during the summer (April 1 to Sep 30) and every hour during the winter (Oct 1 to Mar 31). During the hours the cemetery is closed, the guard is changed every 2 hours. My Brother was a Tomb Guard.
I got to see the changing of the guard 1 time when I was 13. The most amazing thing I had ever witnessed. They also had a wreath laying ceremony that day. Noone ever stopped, and it was seemless. Seeing that and Kennedy's eternal flame burning a few hundred yards away was something I will never forget.
I'm not gunna lie the video of the queens guard stepping on that kid and the one of them pushing that 1 lady were hilarious lol maybe us Texans just have twisted humor 🤣
thank you for for reacting to this video. After the cemetery closes the guards switch from their dress uniforms to more work, more casual uniforms. At 6:30 the woman crossing the chain, I believe that her child was involved in a wreath laying ceremony which is another of the ceremonies the guards participate in. Schools or really any group can request to lay a wreath at the Tomb. The woman I feel felt entitled to walk on to the plaza to take pictures of her family member taking part in the ceremony
The Tomb is guarded 24/7. So, even if no one is there. Some shifts last as long as two hours. The guard is there despite the weather, including hurricanes and Nor’Easters.
Greetings from Minnesota, U.S.A. I discovered your channel today and I have watch about 6 videos. What a delightful couple you are. I love that you share ear buds. Best wishes.
During my teens; my family and I went on a vacation to Washington SC. I had the amazing honor of getting to see (in person) The Changing of the Guard. It is way better in person, something to behold, and left me speechless to describe.
The concept of the “unknown soldier” is actually not unique to the US. There’s memorials to unknown soldiers all over the world which I think is quite cool. We think of all the heroes who gave their lives in war but there’s so many who will never get that recognition tied to their names.
I've been to the Tomb and it's very surreal. I think every American should visit at least once and every foreign visitor! We should show nothing but respect here, it's not only expected but demanded. They will toss you out! The people visiting are changed over after changing of the guard because there are so many people visiting.
I've just found you a couple of days ago... I'm truly enjoying your videos...you two are really exceptional people... I'm hoping you continue this Great work. . Rod
During the day hours, the Soldiers wear their cermonial uniforms and during the evening hours they wear want are called ACUs (Army Combat Uniforms); those uniforms are more "casual" and durable.
The individual guard is changed every hour during the winter every half hour in the summer. Individual guards serve 2 shifts per day. They are constantly marching, with 2 pauses per pass.
The "Old Guard" is highly trained & practices daily. It is one of the most demanding & morally superior Units in the Army. My husband & I are both Army Veterans...my hubby was stationed at the Pentagon for 3 years. We had the honor of visiting their offices, touring their Unit & meeting them. VERY DIFFICULT JOB & They do it nearly flawlwssly!
For your question at the end of the video. There is a green gaurd both to the left of the tumb. They will go stand in there during heavy weather and during other ceremonies.
The "tour" of a Sentinal is 4 hours during good weather, and 2 hours during winter of bad weather. At which time a "relief" is provided via a changing of the guard.
The military guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is changed in ceremony every hour on the hour from October 1 through March 31, and every half hour from April 1 through September 30. I believe they have other ceremonies for placement of wreaths, inspection of guards, memorial day, veterans day, not sure what the other ones are.
Ugly Blue Chair answered your question about how often they change the guards! They do it all day very often. They do mention the frequency of the change in the previous video you watched about the changing protocol. It also explained how many steps they take in one direction, how long they pause, and how many steps in the other direction. It is all so controlled.
I was probably 10 or 12 when my grandparents took me to the east coast. (I am from Kansas) we went to Arlington National cemetery. I watched a guy get the warning from the guard. He stepped over the rope (at the time) to take a picture. I was blown away that an adult didn't follow the rules.
I watched the video of the kid getting knocked down and walked over by the Queens Guard and thought it was hilarious. That kid and his parents learned a valuable lesson that day about stepping in front of the Queens Guard. I mean seriously, what did they think was going to happen?
@@richardabjorklund In this pointless scenario the child is being blamed as well. Though I am aware of this video, we can only assume why the child didn't move while very large angry soldiers were bearing down on him. I'd venture to say the poor boy froze from fear.
The military guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is changed in an elaborate ceremony which happens every hour on the hour from October 1 through March 31, and every half hour from April 1 through September 30.
It is a National Monument. You can NOT go beyond the barriers at ANY time, ceremony or not. There are crazy people out there (ex: vandalism, violence, litter, etc.)
The guard always takes an exact amount of steps, stands facing a certain way for an exact amount of seconds, etc. I can't remember the exact reasons for the amount of steps and seconds, but it should be easily found. Timing and all have significance to how they move during their guard.
My Great Uncle Herman Oliver K. was a Navy Seaman on the U. S. S. Arizona, which was sunk in an air attack on December 7, 1941 at Pearl Harbor, Oahu, Hawaii. I visited there 20 years ago and found my visit there to be one of the most profound experiences of my life. The moment we stepped onto the barge to cross the harbor, not even the monument itself, complete silence reigned. There were many children in our group and I didn’t hear a peep from them. When we stepped onto the platform itself, there was almost a distinct weight of humility and respect for where we were, what we were experiencing and the scale and majesty of the monument itself. I have poor eyesight, yet I walked directly to the correct marble slab and straight to my great uncle’s name inscribed there. My father had enlisted in the Navy just a short time before his uncle’s death. His goal was to serve his country as an ‘airplane guy’ because of his love of aircraft, engines and mechanical things. You I think this humbling experience would be very similar to visiting the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier; I doubt I’ll ever have the honor to travel there.
God Bless our warriors who fight today and those that have fought and died for our freedom! They deserve our utmost respect and honor! Just found you two and I love y'all's channel! I'm looking forward to keeping up with you both! God Bless and keep up the great work!!
The Guarding & pacing back & forth NEVER stops. They do this 24 HOURS A DAY..EVERY DAY. this monument is Never without a guard. The routine of 21 paces back & forth continues until the Guard is changed every thirty minutes during the summer (April 1 to Sep 30) and every hour during the winter (Oct 1 to Mar 31). During the hours the cemetery is closed, the guard is changed every 2 hours. This is constant. The routine doesn't change regardless of weather conditions. Absolutely No Chatting when you are in this area. You probably could get away with a quiet whisper into someone's ear, but that's when the Respect thing should kick in.
If the weather gets absolutely crazy the guards have little toll booth type structures they can stay in and an abbreviated changing of the guards occurs; but the tomb remains guarded. Even in blizzard conditions. Even in hurricanes.
Some people are so into themselves, they don't care about rules. They feel entitled. Stupid is as stupid does!! That shows complete disrespect. They have enough guards. They work different shifts. The changing of the guard is a sight to behold. One guy had his foot cut when the guard checking his rifle missed the pass and the bayonet went into his shoe. He continued his shift but you could see the blood coming out of his shoe. It never stopped him from doing his duty. That's dedication!
I think some of the other ceremonies are things like wreath laying ceremonies. I think there's one on youtube that involves school children helping the guards in a ceremony to put a wreath in front of the tomb.
They do funeral ceremonies, including 21 gun salutes, they present colors at ceremonies, parades, I'm sure there are more but I have personally seen the old guard perform those duties.
And yes it's easier to move about in some fashion then stand still, that's when you get people fainting as the blood not getting back up from the legs enough.
The guards change every hour or half hour (depending on the season), but always 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. There is always a guard in duty protecting the tomb no matter what time it is. Day and Night.
Arlington National Cemetery is closed and locked at night. There are two guard stations to check thru just to enter. I am there 3 times a year to honor mom and dad who are buried there. Very beautiful and hallowed ground. A huge tourist attraction. Locals love to jog around it as well. It's massive. Hello you guys,☺️
As part of hazing when I first became a Marine I was instructed to be in full dress uniform and stand similar watch over an old aircraft on display by the front gate of the base. Only after MPs (Military Police) came over and asked me what the H I was doing did I realize I'd been had. Lol
But then the MPs ask you to bring them a bucket of jet wash to clean it….. 😀 When I worked for a wood fabricating company back in high school (48 years ago), one of the old workers asked me to bring the board stretcher. Fortunately I had actually read that joke in a comic book.
