The Sentinel Guard protecting the Tomb of the Unknowns
The Tomb sarcophagus was placed over the grave of the Unknown Soldier of WWI. The 3 crypts west of the WWI unknown are crypts of the Unknowns from WWII, Korea and Vietnam and are flush with the plaza.
The Relief Commander announces the Changing of the Guard
The Relief Commander inspects the relieving sentinel's weapon
Relief Commander oversees the Relieving Sentinel
The Retiring Sentinel, Relief Commander and Relieving Sentinel meet in front of the Tomb of the Unknowns
They salute the Unknown Soldiers
The Retiring Sentinel leaves
The quiet crowd watches in awe and honor
Wreath Laying Ceremony
After the Changing of the Guard Ceremony, most of the visitors left. I happened to walk towards the Guard Shack and noticed these guards approaching the Tomb of Unknowns with this wreath. I was privileged to watch 2 wreath laying ceremonies in front of the Tomb of the Unknowns.
Preparing for the Wreath Laying Ceremony
Bugler holding the new wreath while...
the guard retires the old wreath in front of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier
Students place the new wreath on the stand in front of the Tomb of the Unknowns
Bugler plays Taps
while Military salute and visitors place their right hand on their hearts in honor of the unknown soldiers
Visitors honoring the Unknown Soldiers during the Wreath Laying Ceremony
Sentinel guarding the tomb of the Unknowns
While I was watching the ceremony, I wondered about the sentinel guards, who they were and why they were chosen to guard the Tomb of Unknowns. I didn't realize that they volunteer for the duty. They have to be members of the 3rd US Infantry, must be in superb physical condition and possess an unblemished military record and they have to go through training and testing before they can earn the privilege of guarding the Tomb of Unknowns.
The new wreath in front of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier
The new Sentinel guarding the Tomb of the Unknowns
Facing North for 21 seconds
"Shoulder-Arms" movement to place the rifle on the shoulder closest to the visitors to signify that the sentinel stands between the Tomb and any possible threat.
He takes 21 steps down the black mat, faces east for 21 seconds, turns, pauses 21 seconds and executes the 'Shoulder-Arms' movement, then walks 21 paces back up the black mat and repeats the process. Twenty-one was chosen because it symbolizes the highest military honor that can be bestowed - the 21-gun salute.
The Sentinel faces east for 21 seconds.
Impeccable polished shoes
View of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier taken from the Mall Entrance with the Amphitheater in background