Changing of the Guard – Tomb of the Unknown Soldier

March 25, 2010 · By Jerry Castillo

Tomb of the Unknown SoldierDuring a recent mission to Arlington National Cemetery in February 2010, I stopped by to film the Changing of the Guard. This ceremony is conducted by the US Army 3rd Infantry (Old Guard), Ft Myer in Arlington, VA.

This video is dedicated to Army Sgt. David Modes, who served as an Honor Guard from 1962-1965.

On November 11, 1921 then President Warren G. Harding delivered the eulogy to the Unknown Soldier:

Standing today on hallowed ground, conscious that all America has halted to share in the tribute of the heart and mind and soul to this fellow American…it is fitting to say that his sacrifice, and that of millions of dead, shall not be in vain. There must be, there shall be, the commanding voice of a conscious civilization against armed warfare.

As we return this poor clay to its mother soil, garlanded by love and covered with the decorations that only nations can bestow, I can sense the prayers of our people, of all peoples, that this Armistice Day shall mark the beginning of a new and lasting era, of peace on earth, good-will among men.

At the conclusion of his remarks, President Harding awarded the American Unknown Soldier with the nation’s two highest decorations for valor, the Congressional Medal of Honor and the Distinguished Service Cross. The casket was then conveyed to the plaza area for the the final committal service. Prayers were rendered by members of the clergy as the body was slowly lowered into the crypt layered with French soil.

The Tomb was placed under daylight military guard in 1926.  A decade later, the 24-hour vigil was established. The 50-ton marble cap stone was added in 1932.

During the winter months the changing of the guard takes place every hour on the hour and during the warmer months it is conducted every half-hour 24 hours a day 365 days a year.

Video production:

Music by US Army Ceremonial Band,  Pershing’s Own

Producer, Jerry Castillo

5 Responses

  1. Saran Mclarty

    March 25th, 2010 at 5:53 PM

    1

    Hello,I love reading through your blog, I wanted to leave a little comment to support you and wish you a good continuation. Wishing you the best of luck for all your blogging efforts.

  2. Tweets that mention Changing of the Guard - Tomb of the Unknown Soldier | USFallen.org -- Topsy.com

    March 25th, 2010 at 10:57 PM

    2

    [...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Sean Vessey, AllMilitaryNews. AllMilitaryNews said: (USFallen.org) Changing of the Guard – Tomb of the Unknown Soldier: During a recent mission to Arlington … http://bit.ly/9JLtVx #Military [...]

  3. Broadside Blog - Military Times – Remember the big snowstorm in February?

    April 23rd, 2010 at 6:01 AM

    3

    [...] making it almost impossible to verify their source and authenticity. That being said, I discovered a video that was also shot in February 2010 by Jerry Castillo of USFallen.org (the show wasn’t falling in the video), showing what appear to be the same military members. [...]

  4. Jeff Kern

    May 22nd, 2010 at 7:52 PM

    4

    I found this website while looking for something else. Regarding this story, Headquarters for The Old Guard is located at Fort Myer, Virginia (not Fort Meyers). I say that as one who has posted to The Old Guard.

    Jeff Kern
    Jeffrey.Kern@gmail.com

  5. Drew

    June 5th, 2011 at 2:29 AM

    5

    This platoon has always fascinated me. I think it is an awesome thing that we have here in America


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