A full honors funeral service passes in front of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery on its way to a gravesite. In March 1926, soldiers from nearby Fort Myer were first assigned to guard the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. The guards, present only during daylight hours, discouraged visitors from climbing or stepping on the Tomb. In 1937, the guards became a 24/7 presence, standing watch over the Unknown Soldier at all times. The 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment, known as “The Old Guard,” was designated as the Army’s official ceremonial unit on April 6, 1948. At that time, The Old Guard began guarding the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Soldiers of The Old Guard also serve as escorts to the president and conduct military ceremonies in and around Washington, D.C., including military funeral escorts at Arlington National Cemetery. Soldiers who volunteer to become Tomb Guards must undergo a strict selection process and intensive training. Each element of the Tomb Guard’s routine has meaning. The Guard marches 21 steps down the black mat behind the Tomb, turns and faces east for 21 seconds, turns and faces north for 21 seconds, and then takes 21 steps down the mat. Next, the Guard executes a sharp “shoulder-arms” movement to place his/her weapon on the shoulder closest to the visitors, signifying that he or she stands between the Tomb and any possible threat. The number 21 symbolizes the highest symbolic military honor that can be bestowed: the 21-gun salute.

Continue ReadingA full honors funeral service passes in front of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery on its way to a gravesite. In March 1926, soldiers from nearby Fort Myer were first assigned to guard the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. The guards, present only during daylight hours, discouraged visitors from climbing or stepping on the Tomb. In 1937, the guards became a 24/7 presence, standing watch over the Unknown Soldier at all times. The 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment, known as “The Old Guard,” was designated as the Army’s official ceremonial unit on April 6, 1948. At that time, The Old Guard began guarding the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Soldiers of The Old Guard also serve as escorts to the president and conduct military ceremonies in and around Washington, D.C., including military funeral escorts at Arlington National Cemetery. Soldiers who volunteer to become Tomb Guards must undergo a strict selection process and intensive training. Each element of the Tomb Guard’s routine has meaning. The Guard marches 21 steps down the black mat behind the Tomb, turns and faces east for 21 seconds, turns and faces north for 21 seconds, and then takes 21 steps down the mat. Next, the Guard executes a sharp “shoulder-arms” movement to place his/her weapon on the shoulder closest to the visitors, signifying that he or she stands between the Tomb and any possible threat. The number 21 symbolizes the highest symbolic military honor that can be bestowed: the 21-gun salute.

One of the flyovers this morning at Arlington Cemetery. DRAGO51 is a C-17a from Dover Air Force Base supporting a service for a POW/MIA from Vietnam. Arlington Media monitors and works closely with the military to capture these amazing and unique angles for families.

Continue ReadingOne of the flyovers this morning at Arlington Cemetery. DRAGO51 is a C-17a from Dover Air Force Base supporting a service for a POW/MIA from Vietnam. Arlington Media monitors and works closely with the military to capture these amazing and unique angles for families.

One of the flyovers this morning at Arlington Cemetery. DRAGO51 is a C-17a from Dover Air Force Base supporting a service for a POW/MIA from Vietnam. Arlington Media monitors and works closely with the military to capture these amazing and unique angles for families.

Continue ReadingOne of the flyovers this morning at Arlington Cemetery. DRAGO51 is a C-17a from Dover Air Force Base supporting a service for a POW/MIA from Vietnam. Arlington Media monitors and works closely with the military to capture these amazing and unique angles for families.

Washington DC, the Washington Monument, and the Lincoln Memorial can be seen behind a full honors service preparing to proceed to the gravesite in the Millennium Section of Arlington National Cemetery.

Continue ReadingWashington DC, the Washington Monument, and the Lincoln Memorial can be seen behind a full honors service preparing to proceed to the gravesite in the Millennium Section of Arlington National Cemetery.

Washington DC, the Washington Monument, and the Lincoln Memorial can be seen behind a full honors service preparing to proceed to the gravesite in the Millennium Section of Arlington National Cemetery.

Continue ReadingWashington DC, the Washington Monument, and the Lincoln Memorial can be seen behind a full honors service preparing to proceed to the gravesite in the Millennium Section of Arlington National Cemetery.

A US Army Firing Party firing three volleys at Arlington National Cemetery as captured by the @arlingtonmedia team. A three round volley is the honor bestowed upon anyone that has served honorably in the US Armed Forces and is buried in the cemetery here at Arlington. This differs slightly from a 21 gun salute, but when conducted by a party of 7 riflemen, it does equal 21 rounds fired. These rounds are later collected and given to family members in honor of their loved ones.

Continue ReadingA US Army Firing Party firing three volleys at Arlington National Cemetery as captured by the @arlingtonmedia team. A three round volley is the honor bestowed upon anyone that has served honorably in the US Armed Forces and is buried in the cemetery here at Arlington. This differs slightly from a 21 gun salute, but when conducted by a party of 7 riflemen, it does equal 21 rounds fired. These rounds are later collected and given to family members in honor of their loved ones.

A US Army Firing Party firing three volleys at Arlington National Cemetery as captured by the @arlingtonmedia team. A three round volley is the honor bestowed upon anyone that has served honorably in the US Armed Forces and is buried in the cemetery here at Arlington. This differs slightly from a 21 gun salute, but when conducted by a party of 7 riflemen, it does equal 21 rounds fired. These rounds are later collected and given to family members in honor of their loved ones.

Continue ReadingA US Army Firing Party firing three volleys at Arlington National Cemetery as captured by the @arlingtonmedia team. A three round volley is the honor bestowed upon anyone that has served honorably in the US Armed Forces and is buried in the cemetery here at Arlington. This differs slightly from a 21 gun salute, but when conducted by a party of 7 riflemen, it does equal 21 rounds fired. These rounds are later collected and given to family members in honor of their loved ones.