Laying A Wreath On The Tomb Of The Unknown Soldiers

LAYING A WREATH ON THE TOMB OF THE UNKNOWN SOLDIERS

During a recent visit to the Arlington National Cemetery on Friday, August 19, 2005, I had the honor to participate in laying a wreath on the Tomb of the Unknown Soldiers, or Tomb of the Unknowns as it is also called. I was one of four people selected for this honor.

As expected, it was and is, a very formal, respectful and solemn ceremony, as it is each day it is performed. Formal dress is not required but leather shoes, long pants and a collared shirt are required for men. If women are the honored participants, they too have a dress code that must be followed. The participants must be inspected by one of the Tomb's guards for appropriate attire. If the participants fail this inspection, they are not allowed to continue.

Before the ceremony, the honored participants wait in an alcove above the visitors gallery until after the formal "Changing of the Guard" ceremony is concluded. At that time, a guard standing with the participants, instructs them on what they are about to do. We were then marched, two abreast, down the stairs to the strip on which the guards march back and forth in front of the tomb, 24 hours seven day, seven days a week.

Our march was halted just before the "marching strip" just in front of the tomb. Another guard brought forth the wreath. Two of the wreath presenters, myself included, laid our hands on the wreath and it was then taken by one of the guards and laid on the tomb. A bugler then played taps, the guards saluted and the wreath presenters laid their right hands on their hearts until the bugler finished playing. The four presenters and a guard performed a military "about face" and marched back up the stairs to the starting point. At that time, the tomb guard continued to do his solemn duty, guarding the tomb ... marching back in forth in front of the tomb, every 21 seconds. A sight that is truly moving to witness.

I am the heavy, bald headed person in a green short sleeve shirt and white trousers. I am the one on the left when I was facing the tomb. The four of us are all veterans having served in WWII, Korea and Viet Nam.

During the ceremony, it was pouring rain and we all got soaked but no one complained. It was a very moving experience and made us four veterans very proud and to have served our country. It is something I shall never forget!