Subject: No laughing at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier The soldier gets their attention-fast! Note that the Soldier steps off the pad and does not return until he reaches the end and turns... It was taken at the Tomb Of The unknown in DC. Someone started to laugh during the guard's march and you will see the response given by the Soldier on duty. http://www.allproudamericans.com/No-Laughing-at-the-Tomb-of-the-Unknown-Soldier.html
What nerve! I would have kicked that guys ass. If you haven't ever been there I can't believe someone would be laughing at all. I watched the changing of the guard for almost two hours when I was in D.C. this summer. I had my 6 year old son with me and he didn't have to be told at all to be quiet. You could hear a pin drop every time they were out there. The wreath that is displayed in directly behind of the Tomb of The Unknown Soldier is most likely from someone they just laid to rest. I was present during the changing of the wreath. It is very heart wrenching when their family members are present. If I recall there is a average of 22 American soldiers that are buried in Arlington cemetery daily.
Yup, it's a sobering place for sure. I knew a guy that was an "Old Guard" soldier at the tomb for a tour. The boys are committed. No drinking, or any of that forever is their motto. My wife and I were going to be buried in Arlington. I'm qualified for a space. When my wife was dying she decided at the last minute she wanted to be buried in her home town next to her mom and dad who had bought 2 cemetary lots for us. So, I flew her body to Geogia for burial. When my time comes.... my son will fly mine there to be next to her.
Here's a few you might enjoy Dave. The pics of the WWII Memorial were taken the week before it opened (The guard let me in).
One of my special things to do when I lived in Maryland was to drive to The Mall on Veterans Day to be there for sunrise. I'd go to The Wall and watch the sun come up. I always had several panels to visit having served there in parts 67, 68, 69 and 70... but I spent most of my time at 10 West in honor of a special guy. I was usually there all alone. Once the sun came up and the city started moving I'd go home. That day was Rolling Thunder day in DC the last few years. It was sort of awesome to be sitting there all alone and suddenly the city would start shaking from the engines of thousands of motor cycles. When they started coming in I was usually walking to my car to leave.... but the sound really bounced off all the Smithsonian buildings.
