Arlington Cemetery - Tomb of the Unknown Soldier

Happy Memorial Day? Does that sound right?
It's not really a happy reason to celebrate and the actual dedication is solemn but I guess it is a celebration to honor all those who gave their life so we could be free.

The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is a very solemn place. We got there just in time to catch the relief commander walking back to quarters. Perfect timing to get a great seat for the next ceremony. It's an interesting ritual and don't leave DC without seeing it. It will change your mind about the duty soldiers feel to the fallen comrades and how seriously the motto "No Man Left Behind" is to each and every one of them.

We happened to get there for a special laying of the wreath presentation.

An impeccably uniformed relief commander appears on the plaza to announce the Changing of the Guard. Soon the new sentinel leaves the Quarters and unlocks the bolt of his or her M-14 rifle to signal to the relief commander to start the ceremony. The relief commander walks out to the Tomb and salutes, then faces the spectators and asks them to stand and stay silent during the ceremony.

The relief commander conducts a detailed white-glove inspection of the weapon, checking each part of the rifle once. Then, the relief commander and the relieving sentinel meet the retiring sentinel at the center of the matted path in front of the Tomb. All three salute the Unknowns who have been symbolically given the Medal of Honor. Then the relief commander orders the relieved sentinel, "Pass on your orders." The current sentinel commands, "Post and orders, remain as directed." The newly posted sentinel replies, "Orders acknowledged," and steps into position on the black mat. When the relief commander passes by, the new sentinel begins walking at a cadence of 90 steps per minute.

The Tomb Guard marches 21 steps down the black mat behind the Tomb, turns, faces east for 21 seconds, turns and faces north for 21 seconds, then takes 21 steps down the mat and repeats the process. After the turn, the sentinel executes a sharp "shoulder-arms" movement to place the weapon on the shoulder closest to the visitors to signify that the sentinel stands between the Tomb and any possible threat. Twenty-one was chosen because it symbolizes the highest military honor that can be bestowed -- the 21-gun salute.
Duty time when not "walking" is spent in the Tomb Guard Quarters below the Memorial Display Room of the Memorial Amphitheater where they study Cemetery "knowledge," clean their weapons and help the rest of their relief prepare for the Changing of the Guard.

The guards also train on their days off.

The Guards of Honor at the Tomb of the Unknowns are highly motivated and are proud to honor all American service members who are "Known But to God."

Have  a great Memorial Day weekend and say a silent "thank you" too those that have given their life for the service to this nation....and to you.