Tomb Guards at Arlington National Cemetery...

Beemerguy53

Beemerguy53

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I saw an interview the other day with one of the Tomb Guards at Arlington National Cemetery, and it reminded me of my visits there over the years.

It's awe-inspiring, and very moving, to watch the changing of the guard at Arlington. For those are unaware...this ceremony takes place around the clock, in all weather, every single day of the year, whether there are spectators to watch it or not.

These photos are from 2016...
 

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Very moving ceremony......

I went an read that little sign about why they keep their arms on the outside of the tomb and lost it. I'm losing it thinking about it. Tells you how a little gesture can mean so much.

I HATE it when the guard have to tell somebody to shut up and show respect. It shouldn't be necessary but people can be real dumb asses. If you don't want to show respect, STAY AWAY!
 
one of the greatest thing i have ever seen. Went with my daughter school when she was in 8th grade ( 21 years ago) I still get goose bumps when i think of it. I explained the importance to all of the kids when we got back on the bus, I often wonder if they understand the importance now, they didn't back then, but they were children.
 
Many years ago when my Grandson went on his field trip to D.C. I was one of the adult escorts. One of the places we visited was the tomb. I taped it and have it here somewhere. It is as the OP stated very awe inspiring. Once you have seen it it is something you will never forget.
 
Was a lucky volunteer with my company's many sponsored Honor Flights several years ago taking mostly WWII veterans to DC. The whole experience was remarkable from the water canons over the plane at the DC airport, to the WWII, Vietnam, and Korean War memorials and to Arlington. We got there early and I had a chance to walk around a little with my veteran group and ran across Audie Murphy's grave.

For those who have not had the thrill of attending the Changing of the Guard, the precision of the soldiers is astounding. There are actually dark areas where countless soldiers stepped over the decades showing the precision of the guards in performance of their duties.

I escorted some tough guys, stoic and reserved, holding back the emotions and tears until they arrived home. It seems that the sight of a hundred Patriot Guard Riders in the terminal along with the veterans families opened the floodgates for many and some stated they had not talked about the war for 50 years, but opened up to their families after the trip.

What a day!!!
 

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My son attended NMMI ( New Mexico Military Institute ) Roswell NM , for a 1 1/2yrs . They have a flame that gets lit on special occasions . A team from the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier came down and taught how to conduct the guarding of the flame , changing of the guard etc . My son ended up on , what was called " Flame Guard Duty " . He did 10 tours , each lasted an hour . Sometimes he got 6 in the morning or maybe 10 at night . I attended everyone of his tours . I did that because that's what dads do . After his school years finished , he became a Marine . Regards Paul
 
Thank goodness that forensic science had pretty much ended the installation of headstones inscribed ""Known but to God", and government exhumations are bringing closure to many long-suffering families.

I've thought thIs last stanza of a poem written by the WWI veteran father of late forum member CYRANO, is a touching sentiment to lost brothers in arms.

The poem is titled: We, Who Know

We know how you lived and died.

Others may not care

And merely set aside one day

For reverence and prayer.

But for us – 'Tis not enough

How can we betray

The promises we gave to you

On the field that day?

So we're carrying on in peace

What we were in war,

And you'll find us in the ranks

As we were before.

        Francis H. Doane



Sent from my Moto G (5) Plus using Tapatalk
 
In 2018 I was on an Honor Flight. We ended our tour at the Tomb of the Unknown. It had a very special meaning for all of us. I know I left a lot of baggage I did not know I still carried there. There were six WWII guys and twelve Korean War veterans. The rest of us were all Viet Nam folks. First time I came to realize how long ago that was. Semper Fi.
 
glowe said:
Was a lucky volunteer with my company's many sponsored Honor Flights several years ago taking mostly WWII veterans to DC. The whole experience was remarkable from the water canons over the plane at the DC airport, to the WWII, Vietnam, and Korean War memorials and to Arlington. We got there early and I had a chance to walk around a little with my veteran group and ran across Audie Murphy's grave.

For those who have not had the thrill of attending the Changing of the Guard, the precision of the soldiers is astounding. There are actually dark areas where countless soldiers stepped over the decades showing the precision of the guards in performance of their duties.

I escorted some tough guys, stoic and reserved, holding back the emotions and tears until they arrived home. It seems that the sight of a hundred Patriot Guard Riders in the terminal along with the veterans families opened the floodgates for many and some stated they had not talked about the war for 50 years, but opened up to their families after the trip.

What a day!!!
Click to expand...


I was my dad's escort in 2012 on a honor flight from Orlando.


I was totally unprepared for the range of emotions that I would experience.


The crowds at the airports were cheering them at every stop.


The changing of the guard at The Tomb was beyond moving.


Dad was in submarines in WWII and stayed for a 30 year career.


I did seven years in nuclear submarines.


Dad was wearing his Sub Vets vest. On one part of which were rising sun flags, one per kill.


We were at the WWII Memorial and a group of Japanese tourists wanted their picture taken with Dad and them.


Afterwards they were remarking on his vest when they noticed the flags and realized what they meant. No one said anything. They gave Dad a slight bow and went on their way. Incredible.


I really wanted to take my Mom who was a WAVE in the war but she was too humble to want the attention. Too bad.


What a day, indeed.
 
Last edited:
The public ceremony is held between March and October but the tomb is guarded 24/7/365. U.S. Senator Tom Cotton was a former guard at the tomb.
 
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