An inside look at what goes on behind the scenes at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Va. Full story: www.stripes.com/1.285862 Video produced by Meredith Tibbetts/Stars and Stripes
I had the honor to watch the changing of the Guard, when I was 14 with my parents. I am now 72 and that had to be the most gut wrenching expirence in my life. Not a word spoken, the only sound heard was the marching of feet. The respect given these unknowns I don't have a word for it.
I have had the chance to watch them several times over my life. The first was on a 8th grade class trip. And I enjoy it everytime I see it. Its a must for any trip to DC.
You made me very proud of you when I attended a Laying of the Wreath ceremony. God bless you for the dignity and solemnity that is so well-deserved. It made me weep when Taps was played. That is truly the most mournful melody on Earth.
Had the awesome opportunity to witness the changing of the guards recently. It was done with great precision and respect. It was a real privilege to see in person. I really lucked out and was standing at the far end and got to film it. It turned out better than I could have hoped.
Saw the change of the guard once, very honored and proud to witness with wife and young daughter brought a tear to our eyes. So proud of the American soldiers and to be an American.
It was my pleasure to visit Arlington and witness this ceremony. Visiting the cemetery was a humbling experience in itself. God bless the United States and thank you to ALL of the service men and women for the sacrifice you made for our freedom. We must never forget.
Great video. A special thank you to the men and women of "The Old Guard" 3rd Infantry Regiment! Thank you for your dedication...your devotion to duty, your professionalism, and your unfailing patriotism to your profession!! I salute you, as we salute our unknown fallen brothers. Hooah.
The president of the United States is entitled to a 21-gun salute, while other high state officials receive 19 guns. Armed Forces Honors: The honors are the same as a full-honors funeral, except that escort platoons from each of the services participate. These funerals are reserved for the president of the United States (as commander-in-chief), secretary of defense, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff or officers granted multiple-service command.
Been there and that is most remarkable, wonderful sight to see. The atmosphere is so spiritual you wouldn't believe. Everyone should experience being there.
I witnessed the changing of the guard in June 1995. A violent thunderstorm and torrential rain was falling. Those men never once flinched. It was s truly amazing experience I will never forget. God bless.
I know that squeak sucks but if you think about it, it’s a good thing. It lets them know when a members the public has wondered into their space. It also alerts them at night that someone has entered. Alerting them to an intruder or relief of duty to go home.
I would very much like to know if there is any film/video of when this all started. In other words, the very start of the honor guard walk. Who was the very first guard to walk in front of the tombs of the unknowns?
God Bless Our Fallen Brothers and thank you to all the guards that protect them. I am lucky I lived but just. I never forget everyday that though I lost an arm and leg it could have been worse and by the Grace of God I am not in there with my brothers and sisters. Thank You One and All
I'm kind of confused because the sog makes it sound like they're on duty in some form or fashion from 0430 to 2300 hours. That's freaking crazy. That would be like having extra duty the entire time you're assigned to that unit, and having survived a Art-15 with a 45-45 I just don't see how that's possible.
The work set is three days, 0430 until the following morning. They have a day off in between each day but much of those you are preparing your uniform and shoes. New men are also studying knowledge. After the work set is over you have four off days. But one of those days is spent preparing your uniform and shoes for the next work set, and not unusual to have an early morning training. Also still required to do PT, etc. (Of course, new men are always studying and running graves.)
I have always felt that They were robbed of their lives and then robbed of their identities. What an insult, it’s the least the country can do for them. With the time that has passed a family member may have joined the military and a “familiar” - (Family member Niece, Nephew, Grandchild) would have joined and a DNA match be found. It makes it even sadder that they may have been the end of their family and will never be identified.
Whoever gave this a thumbs down is a unpatriotic piece of crap and dont have the balls or strength to serve your country. Thank you to all American soldiers for your service.
Some live in the barracks, others live off-post. You leave the Tomb Guard Quarters when your relief is off. (Despite internet lore, you don't live in the Quarters.) Amount of sleep depends - if you're a new man, you don't get much.
Well, that and the fairly low death rate and count. In WWII, when you had thousands dying in a day it was easy to lose track of who was who. In modern times, our losses haven't been nearly as fast and are easy to keep track of. So combine that and the DNA tech, and yeah, there will likely not be another Unknown.
We still have soldiers remains in North Korea. They probably will not remain unknown forever but they could take a rest here until its sorted. It would be our honor to watch over them.
this just isn't the case. Unfortunately as long as a troop can be literally vaporized by a bomb there will always be an unknown soldier. The number of them may dwindle, but war is war. It's not pretty and horrible things happen. Including soldiers remains never being found on the battlefield.
As long as our ability to do DNA testing and keep accurate records remain at a certain level of proficiency. The original intent being the creation of the tomb of the unknown was out of reaction to huge swaths of grave markers listed as unknown. It was decided that something had to be done for those story of service and sacrifice could never be told. That’s the driving force behind the extremely precise but extremely minimalist appearance of a lone guard whose appearance is the closest approximation of perfection attainable instead of some lavish performance by a large group of soldiers more befitting a parade or traveling circus act
I wonder if modern technology could get enough DNA from the "unknown soldier" to effect a discovery of his true identity. What say you? Is there any DNA left to analyze?
I went there a couple times and every time I go all of the guards have a scar on the back of there head. Can someone explain that to me? At first I was like maybe the out a chip inside there head so they can ignore anything and keep guarding but then I said that's stupid
1st Lt. Michael Blassie, USAF, was the Unknown from Vietnam until he was identified and returned to his family...the grave for the VN unknown now lies empty. Tha's as much as you're gonna get.
These guys drill, drill and drill. They are mentally, verbally and sometimes physically abused for the slightest mistake. Highly disciplined. And for what. To guard an empty tomb. EMPTY!!! The unknown soldier was DNA identified in the late 80s. He was returned to his family. Truth be told. Thanks to DNA. There will never be another unknown soldier. The tomb is just a symbolic monument to an over glorified past. It's time has really past.
First "these guys" volunteer for the honor so your portrayal here as victims for no good reason is just wrong. Also, it is not an empty tomb. The remains of the Unknown Soldier from WWI are still in his grave as are the remains from an Unknown Soldier from WWII and the Korean war. The remains of the Unknown Soldier from the Vietnam War were identified in 1998 and returned to his family. That is the only crypt that is kept empty to honor all missing service members from that war.
Sorry, but you are full of it. Not just about there being no Unknowns (when only the Vietnam Unknown was identified and removed in 1998). You also are saying that Sentinels are abused which is pure BS.
Whyfishcantfly Mate show some respect and if you cant hold your tongue when someone comments back to you respectfully don't reply at all. There's no need for that behaviour and aggression over nothing. Good day mate.
Whyfishcantfly What are you on about mate? How am I blind or have some mental issues? I told you to show respect in no way does that make me blind or mentally ill. Don't comment back please you can barely speak English and your hard to interrupt so stick to commenting on your own country's issues. Good bye you silly bugger.
They are guarding what they value. That is "Ultimate Sacrifice". Human life is precious and it is special when someone lays down their life for someone else.
