Has anyone ever seen the Changing of the Guard at Arlington Cemetery?

Question

How did it make you feel?

I just returned from Arl. about an hour ago. It never fails to move me. Looking around at all the grave sites moves me, as well. You could hear a pin drop when those incredible soldiers are performing their honored duties at The Tomb.

Answer 1

I've never visited Arlington but I plan to in the near future. Recently I received an email with some facts about the guards at the tomb of the unknowns which you may find interesting.

For a person to apply for guard duty at the tomb, he must be
between 5' 10" and 6' 2" tall and his waist size cannot exceed 30." Other
requirements of the Guard: They must commit 2 years of life to guard the
tomb, live in a barracks under the tomb, and cannot drink any alcohol on
or off duty for the rest of their lives. They cannot swear in public for the
rest of their lives and cannot disgrace the uniform {fighting} or the tomb in
any way. After two years, the guard is given a wreath pin that is worn on
their lapel signifying they served as guard of the tomb. There are only
400 presently worn. The guard! must obey these rules for the rest of their
lives or give up the wreath pin.

The shoes are specially made with very thick soles to keep the heat
and cold from their feet. There are metal heel plates that extend to the
top of the shoe in order to make the loud click as they come to a halt.
There are no wrinkles, folds or lint on the uniform. Guards dress for duty
in front of a full-length mirror.

The first six months of duty a guard cannot talk to anyone, nor
watch TV. All off duty time is spent studying the 175 notable people laid
to rest in Arlington National Cemetery. A guard must memorize who they are
and where they are interred. Among the notables are: President Taft, Joe
E. Lewis {the boxer} and Medal of Honor winner Audie Murphy, {the most
decorated soldier of WWII of Hollywood fame.

Every guard spends five hours a day getting his uniforms ready for
guard duty.


ETERNAL REST GRANT THEM O LORD, AND LET PERPETUAL LIGHT SHINE UPON THEM.

In 2003 as Hurricane Isabelle was approaching Washington, DC, our
US Senate/House took 2 days off with anticipation of the storm. On the ABC
evening news, it was reported that because of the dangers from the
hurricane, the military members assigned the duty of guarding the Tomb of
the Unknown Soldier were given permission to suspend the assignment. They
respectfully declined the offer, "No way, Sir!" Soaked to the skin,
marching in the pelting rain of a tropical storm, they said that guarding
the Tomb was not just an assignment, it was the highest honor that can be
afforded to a serviceperson. The tomb has been patrolled continuously,
24/7, since 1930.

Answer 2

I have seen it twice. IF you are someone who appreciates the military, and the sacrifices that many of them have made,it is a MUST see. Although the actual ceremony is fairly subdued, it is powerful nonetheless. A crowd will usually gather there to watch, and it is almost like being in a cathedral, as people are that respectfully quiet during the ceremony. Arlington as a whole is an amazing- and sobering-experience. So if you go to see the Guard ceremony, be sure to visit the rest of the grounds as well.

Answer 3

My wife and I experienced it for the first time yesterday. It is a ceremony that definitely leaves an impression. Two men decided something was funny and laughed out loud. The guard immediately turned and reminded everyone an atmosphere of respect and quiet was expected. I would recommend this to everyone and wish I would have seen it as a student. God bless our service men and women for what you do and I bow my head in respect for those who gave the ultimate sacrifice.

Answer 4

Was just there on 10 July.One of the most impressive displays of loyalty and discipline I have ever seen in my life.If anyone is ever in the D.C. area I would highly recommend you stop and witness the dedication these servicemen put forth.You will never forget it.Made me very proud to be a veteran and an American.Made God Bless the unknowns resting in the tombs.May God rest their souls.

Answer 5

We said as in enhance and were given a excursion of the capitol from our representative. in case you want to flow contained in the Washington monument you want to p.c.. up tickets first component contained in the morning. We did the bus experience excursion the position you are able to get on and rancid at each and each and every end. It grow to be large because there is little or no public parking. The subway is amazingly severe priced for a kinfolk to apply daily. when you're using, park on the L'Enfant motel parking. that's in a good region and is not too pricy. maximum highway parking is merely reliable for some hours and is not lengthy adequate to do a lot. The Smithsonian museums are large and performance free of charge. the yankee heritage museum is closed presently yet a number of their maximum wide-spread products are contained in the Air and area Museum. We were merely there the starting up of may and the temperature grow to be delicate and the crowds were already putting out. as far as foodstuff, we attempt now to not devour contained in the area because each and every little thing is amazingly expensive. make positive you've reliable strolling footwear that are damaged in. very last vacation my sister's kinfolk all were given blisters of their new footwear.

Answer 6

Yes, I have seen the Changing of the Guard Our family went last summer and I can still hear the click of metal as they walked up and down. No true words can describe that sound.

Answer 7

One of the most powerful and moving ceremonies you could ever hope to see. You simply can't imagine it until you experience it firsthand.

Every emotion you can imagine is there -- Pride in our country, humble in reflection of the sacrafice, honored to be in the presence of such greatness laid to rest, thrilled by the precision and beauty of the guard's movements, overwhelmed by the natural beauty of the site, awestruck by the sheer number and precise placement of the headstones... it's all there.

Every American should make the pilgramage once in their lives.

Thanks for bringing the memory back to mind.

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runnin on mt -- it belittles everyone who has died for our country for you to bring politics into the discussion. That ceremony is for every American -- black, white, liberal, conservative, hippie, war mongerer, Catholic, Jew, Muslim. All of us.

You should remove that comment from your post. If you do, I'll remove this.

Answer 8

Chills, little staticy in your ears, numb up your spine, hair on end. I describe it that way because the ceremoney is, as the other guy said, subdued and you become very aware of the way you're reacting emotionally as it progresses. You have to see it in person, everyone should.

Answer 9

Yes, I have seen in numerous times - I am 50 & have sister in law who lives in DC. It never stops amazing me of the strong & gentle feelings that I feel everytime. It is like the spirits of the Soliders who gave their lives for me touch my soul. I have taken every child & grandchild of mine to remind them of their sacrifice..

Answer 10

yes, several times. Each time is more moving than the last. I have nothing but the highest regard for these soldiers. God bless them all.