Remembering all our veterans - and all those who protect and defend throughout the world - on Memorial Day. Thank you for your service and sacrifice.
In Arlington National Cemetery, Washington, D.C.
from wiki:
The Tomb of the Unknowns (also known as the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, although it has never been officially named) is a monument dedicated to American servicemen who have died without their remains being identified. It is located in Arlington National Cemetery in the United States. The "Unknown Soldier" of World War I is a recipient of the Medal of Honor, the Victoria Cross, and several other foreign nations' highest service awards. The U.S. Unknown Soldiers who were interred afterwards are also recipients of the Medal of Honor, presented by the U.S. presidents who presided over their funerals.
It is considered one of the highest honors to serve as a sentinel at the Tomb of the Unknowns. Less than 20% of all volunteers are accepted for training and of those only a fraction pass training to become full-fledged Tomb Guards. The sentinels do not wear rank insignia on their uniforms so that they do not outrank the Unknowns, whatever their rank may have been.
There is a meticulous ritual the guard follows when watching over the graves:
1. The soldier walks 21 steps across the Tomb. This alludes to the 21-gun salute, which is the highest honor given to any military or foreign dignitary in America. His weapon is always on the shoulder opposite the Tomb (i.e., on the side of the gallery watching the ritual).
2. On the 21st step, the soldier turns and faces the Tomb for 21 seconds.
3. The soldier then turns to face the other way across the Tomb and changes his weapon to the outside shoulder.
4. After 21 seconds, the first step is repeated.
Puma Ghostwalker, Richard Roscoe Photography, HFDLfotografe{Copyrighted}, Bluebird0927 (ON/OFF), and 13 other people added this photo to their favorites.
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KLnyc 49 months ago | reply
Great shot!
Maxine 2 49 months ago | reply
Wonderful capture!
Seen in the Senior Moments Group Pool.
Evergreengirl 49 months ago | reply
Perfect for Memorial Day and thanks for the info too.
Seen in the Senior Moments Group Pool.
mhobl 45 months ago | reply
Hi, I'm an admin for a group called Just walking, and we'd love to have this added to the group!
mhobl 45 months ago | reply
Your "Just walking"-picture is really worth looking at it! Thank you for sharing!
ingaswanteson 43 months ago | reply
You are invited to add this image to www.flickr.com/groups/bigfave
Please tag this photo with ABigFave when you add it to the pool.
heavenagain 43 months ago | reply
Flickr Bronze Award
Post 1, and award 5
John P.C. 43 months ago | reply
Seen in:
Flickr Bronze Award
Post 1, and award 5
davidhuiphoto 43 months ago | reply
Seen in:
Flickr Bronze Award
Post 1, and award 5
subirbasak 43 months ago | reply
Hi, I'm an admin for a group called This is called photograph (minimum edit/Post 1**Awards 2*), and we'd love to have this added to the group!
You are invited to add this image to www.flickr.com/groups/bigfave
Please tag this photo with ABigFave when you add it to the pool.
Omri Suissa 43 months ago | reply
Wonderful image!
Thank you for sharing with us....
Pole Star(Post.2+Comment 5)
Please download quality photos!!
fantartsy JJ *2013 year of LOVE!* 43 months ago | reply
Thank you for posting this beautiful tribute to Veterans, in America, America!
fantartsy JJ *2013 year of LOVE!* 43 months ago | reply
Hi, I'm an admin for a group called * Holidays of All Kinds (post 1 ~ comment 1), and we'd love to have this added to the group!
fantartsy JJ *2013 year of LOVE!* 43 months ago | reply
Hi, I'm an admin for a group called * THE MASTERS OF LIGHT (post 1 ~ award 1), and we'd love to have this added to the group!
fantartsy JJ *2013 year of LOVE!* 43 months ago | reply
Hi, I'm an admin for a group called ALL KINDS OF BEAUTY (2 PER DAY/Moderated!!!), and we'd love to have this added to the group!
fantartsy JJ *2013 year of LOVE!* 43 months ago | reply
Hi, I'm an admin for a group called ~ Top Gun ~ { Invite } (Post 1 - Award 1), and we'd love to have this added to the group!
buttersweet 43 months ago | reply
visited there many times when I lived in Virginia
Wishing you a Happy Holiday!
Thanks for sharing your
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Bulldog47%,,rotisserie gerbil 43 months ago | reply
I Agree You Deserve Another
~ Elite Top Gun Award ~
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NorJon - All Rights Reserved 42 months ago | reply
Great tribute.
Seen in my contacts PHOTOS
JY15 31 months ago | reply
Thank you for sharing your photograph. I've used it to illustrate my article on the Unknown Soldier [http://www.suite101.com/content/the-unknown-soldier-representative-of-a-nations-sacrifice-a296277] on Suite101.com, an online magazine. The photo credit is visible when readers hover over the image. The image can be enlarged by clicking on the thumbnail accompanying the article.
Please let me know if you'd prefer the credit to be under a different name and whether you'd like the wording of the caption changed .
Many thanks
Jennifer