Tomb Guard Earns Badge After His Final Watch
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- Опубликовано: 19 мар 2024
- Conducting a final walk at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is a high honor for a Tomb Guard of the 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard), as is earning the Tomb Guard Identification Badge. However, to do both on the same day is a rare event. That’s just what happened to Staff Sgt. Thomas Tavenner on March 11, 2024.
At noon, when Tavenner completed guarding the Tomb, he walked to the southern end of Memorial Plaza, where the ceremony's host, Spc. Wyatt Stearns, told him “Staff Sgt. Thomas Tavenner, for the last time fall out.” Instead of leaving the plaza, Tavenner handed his rifle to a waiting Tomb Guard and returned to the center of the plaza, where a sergeant first class, along with Tavenner’s parents and grandfather, awaited him.
Tavenner took off his sunglasses and gloves and gave them to the sergeant, who, in return, handed Tavenner five red roses. Tavenner shook his father’s hand and hugged his mother, giving her a rose. Then, in the disciplined cadence the Tomb Guards are known for, he walked to the Tomb of the World War I Unknown, dropped to one knee, and laid a rose at its base. He did the same for the Vietnam War, World War II, and Korean War Unknowns.
Once he finished, Tavenner saluted the Tomb as a bugler sounded Taps. He then escorted his parents and grandfather away from the Tomb for the last time.
But the day was not over. Soon after, Tavenner stood in the center of the chapel under the Memorial Amphitheater, in front of his family, his fellow Guards, and guests as he awaited the presentation of his Tomb Badge. Tomb Guards earn the badge after completing five phases of testing. It is considered one of the most challenging badges to earn in the U.S. Army.
Commander of the Guard, 1st Lt. Henry Newstrom, overseeing the ceremony, explained why Tavenner had his last walk on the same day as earning his Tomb Badge. “Despite our best efforts to retain Sgt. Tavenner,” said Newstrom, “our Army Human Resources Command needs recruiters, so he will be recruiting in Norfolk, Nebraska.”
Then Newstrom read out a list of Tavenner’s accomplishments. “Over the past eleven months, Staff Sgt. Tavenner has completed 210 walks and 102 public wreath-laying ceremonies,” he said. “He has walked ceremonially for over 111 miles while guarding the Unknowns -a distance that will get you to Richmond, Virginia, Ocean City, New Jersey, or Philadelphia.”
Then Newstrom explained something even more impressive: A twelve-hour post guarding the Tomb from dusk to dawn is known as a vigil. Similarly, an ironman consists of performing a back-to-back guard change, followed immediately by a vigil. Newstrom said that Tavenner conducted 14 vigils, with two of those being ironmans, an average of one vigil per month. “That is honestly incredible,” said Newstrom. “What you did to support your relief and our team as a whole is awesome.”
✍🏻 Kevin M. Hymel
🎥 Daryl Vaca
I wish our politicians would show the dedication, honor and discipline that you have demonstrated. We would have a better country.
This, 2nd Cavalry, says it all!
I think that the "people" of every nation, would agree with you. I am the first.
Thank for your service to our country .
I wish this wasn't even brought up. leave politics out of this, and go vote for ur trumper.
There have been 46 presidents, even Trump, of which 31 of those presidents have/had a military background. That frankly is something that should terrify you not make you feel better. Also the fact that your country IS normally run by a military man and you think it sucks because you are ignorant of the fact is also very scary.
He understood that the ceremony wasn't about him.
We cannot honor this man enough.
How beautiful to watch this! Congratulations and thank you for your Service!!🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸
Thank you for your service Sir 🇺🇸
Sir, it was an honor to watch. May God Bless you and keep watch over you.
66 year old wheelchair vet here (7 years USArmy) with my bad feet just saw this action now! I stood up and Salute You Sir! it hurt but YOU are worth every tear! Congratulations! ❤🤍💙
Watching this filled my heart with so much pride and emotion, covering my entire body with goosebumps. So very beautiful. Reading your comment, Sir, brought the goosebumps right back again! Thank you, bless you and all who have made this civilian's life possible. Much respect. God bless our troops and the USA! 🙏
I get chills watching this ceremony!
womp womp
Thank you for your service, and the sacrifice you have made to help keep our County safe! No words can express my gratitude to you and every servicemen and women. I wish our County took better care of our Veterans after their service. You all deserve better 🇺🇸🇺🇲
Hi you doing good?
That's honestly the most beautiful thing I've ever seen. Those guards are in a class of their own. Hats off
As a retired Naval Officer and prior Enlisted Marine, thank you Staff Sgt Tavenner for your professionalism and service to our country. You are one of the very few selected to guard the tomb(s) of the American unknown soldier(s), what a great honor. When someone does an outstanding job in the Navy, it is naval tradition to tell them Bravo Zulu (BZ). By selecting these two letters “BZ” together on a signal flag, it means “job well done.” BZ is a great honor and I would like to say to you, “Bravo Zulu,” for a job well done. God bless!
Hey Sir what did you do in the marines and navy? And did your navy buddies give you shit for being a marine or vice versa?
In the USMC, 0341, infantry/mortarman (60/81mm).
In the USN, NFO, flew A-6E Intruders and later became a Naval Intelligence Officer.
I was trained by USMC DI’s while in boot camp at Parris Island and DI’s once again as I attended Aviation Officer Candidate School.
I do have some reserve time in USAFR and USCGR.
Thank you.
Outstanding sentiment. Great context provided. Cheers to this young man, to you also for the comment.
@@frankcastle4435 nobody ever gave me crap. They were quite impressed that I was able to serve in all the branches minus ARMY (now they also have SPACE FORCE). I am not a big guy 5’7” (perfect height to fly tactical aircraft). Now as far as the USMC DI’s they ensured I received very special individual attention while attending the US NAVY Aviation Officer Candidate School run by USMC DI’s (being that I was a trader). After a week of harassment, you get use to things. I am appreciative of all the wonderful people I met along my journey.
@@LCafranThank you for your service. My father served in the Navy, Air Force, and Army. Not many do that.
As a soldier then officer in the British Army (1961-1991), I too salute SSgt Tavenner on his dedication and duty at the tomb. Total respect from me and my peers.
Thank you for your service, sir
thank you SIR
Without you and your ilk I would not be here sir, I thank you with all my heart 💙👏
Cheers Mate and fellow brother in arms
Thank you for your service sir
USMC military brat here. My dad served in Vietnam. This was so sad but beautiful. Thank you for your service.🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸
Several years ago I had the privilege of going with my nephew, (who was serving in the Army at the time. He has since retired after 20 years of service and several tours.) to Arlington National Cemetery. It was the most amazing experience. The dedication to procedure and respect that these soldiers show our countries fallen heroes was overwhelming and filled my eyes with tears. These are truly the best of the best to do this watch in all types of weather conditions. 24 hours a day , every day. Thank you Sgt and all those who serve this great land everyday, near and far. God Bless you and God Bless America.
Und alle anderen Soldaten und all ihren armen geschundenen TIERSEELEN ☝️ 😪 ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤
As a Vietnam Era Veteran stationed at Ft. Belvoir, VA. from 1970 to 1973, I spent every Sunday for 3 years at Arlington National Cemetery watching the changing of the guard, sometimes standing for hours but I never had the opportunity to see the "Final Walk"!!! Thank you Staff Sgt. Tavenner and God bless you for your service to this wonderful country we live in!!! Makes me proud to be an American and even prouder to say that I observed over 250 changing of the guards at Arlington!!! That is something I will cherish till the day I die!!! GOD BLESS AMERICA!!!
I also thank you for your service to our great county. All of our veterans deserve our utmost respect.
Thank you for your service!
Thank you,Sir for your beautiful, heartfelt comment and for serving and defending this great nation. God bless you, and God bless the United States of America.
AND GOD bless YOU😊❤❤!!!!!!
Welcome Home. Navy "75-81"
These soldiers are more rare than you know. Less than .04 percent of Americans are on active service today. There are fewer Tomb Guards than any Tier 1 unit. Passing the assessment and selection process alone distinguish them. They meet the highest standard set for them every tour, every day regardless of conditions. They are indeed rare and they are chosen from the rare. God please grant your grace to all who serve our nation and stand as its guards. SSG Travenner, Well Done. You stand relieved.
Guard a tomb? Guard it from what?
Anything even the public if needed
@@RinkyDinkyInc-lw7cs It's a respect people like you will never grasp.
@@RinkyDinkyInc-lw7cs on the off chance you truly do not know. He's there to pay respect to all the men who have died in war that go unknown. Who got buried in trenches, or left to rot in the sun with no marker to even know them by. This grave stands for all those men who never got even the kindness of a proper burial.
@@RinkyDinkyInc-lw7cs If someone has to explain why we symbolically guard the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier with a ceremonial honor guard, the explanation would be completely lost on you.
I'm PROUD to be a American. To all military personnel. Thank You 🇺🇲
We need more people like Staff Sgt Tavenner. To know that this man stood on duty during all kinds weather and all keep his temper in check is a hard job. Your faithfulness to our unknown soldiers who by your by your dedication are allowed to rest in peace. My God bless you and your family.
I can’t even begin to imagine his dedication and also how exceptionally proud his parents must be. They raised a hero. Well done parents. Well done soldier.
You are so far ahead of the curve.. there wouldn't be people like him without parents like him.. just makes sense don't it..?
Exactly. Generally speaking, when you raise a child correctly, you get a man or woman who understands words like "honor" & "duty".
He walked up and down loads of times, please. The US Army gives medals for so much bullshit stuff. The biggest and most incompetent force on the planet...anyone who's served alongside them knows what a dangerous liability they are. They should have a memorial for all the deaths theyve caused.
Hero?
don't get me wrong, I understand the meaning of tomb guarding and the sign its meant to show... and I even would say, this is something worth doing as a symbol for moral and all of that.
But... but: to call him a hero, for walking up and down in front of a tomb with grace and care, as much as that is worth, is a bit much.
The Tombs guards are the best of the best, the pride of America. You, sir, are one of them. Congratulations. America thanks you.
Send this video to Trump and then we can watch him say, "I would have been the best of the best Tomb Stone watcher if it wasn't for my Bone Spurs keeping me out of the Amy :)----
@@trvman1 This is about honoring a man for his professionalism, don't be a dick and turn it into something else
Typical Liberal. you can't form a sentence without the word Trump. @@trvman1
@@trvman1it's spelled ARMY and you have a disease.
He did make a good point though.@@KSA-ll9kt
Brings tears to this old veterans eyes. God bless all those who serve.
One of the rare and one of the hardest badges to obtain in the military. You sir, deserve every bit of it. God bless
If this doesn't put a tear in your eye, you need to learn more about Honor, Duty, Respect and Commitment. Freedom didn't come free and never will. Thank You Staff Sgt. Tavenner well done.
Tears of respect and honor.
Facts !!!!!!
I am a Canadian and this brought tears to my eyes.
caught the feels.
It's a complete waste of time and resources to achieve absolutely nothing.
As a wife of a Uk soldier, thank you, Sir, for your service at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
Please thank your husband for his service to His Majesty's Armed Forces ❤
I am left in total awe. Thank you Staff Sgt. Thomas Tavenner for your service, commitment and dedication to our most sacred shrine.
I had the honour of visiting the Arlington cemetery and meeting some of your fantastic and dedicated members. I am a retired CPO in the Australian navy and visited the graves of the fallen from my service in the Persian gulf(crew members lost from the USS Firebolt). I spent three days wandering the grounds and quietly reflected on the loss of life to protect our freedoms…wherever we served…and I do wish the tomb contingent gods speed and a duty well done.
Old retired army warrant here. I am just so damn proud of you all. May God richly bless you and surround you with His love, grace, and guidance in your mission of honor. We, the general public, could never thank you sufficiently, but know that you have our gratitude from the absolute bottom of our hearts.
You guys sound exactly like an ISIS soldier... it's quite embarrasing to see this. These people are doing nothing meaningful or important, it's like a theater play, a very boring one. So pathetic your "flag patriotism", a patriot cares about the *living* ones in his country, so you should better ask for universal healthcare, and all the nice things you don't have in amurica due to your huge expense in bombs and planes to kill people...
I also thank you for your service to our great county. All of our veterans deserve our utmost respect.
Took the words right out of my mouth. May our Lord richly bless each and every one of our service men and women.
I can only imagine how proud your parents and grandparents are. You were born for times such as these. Thank you to everyone who helped make you who you are. There is hope.
Agree a 100%. Well said.
Im from the Netherlands, never enlisted, i thank you sir for guarding the tomb, if more people were like you the world would be a better place. Thank you
To the young man in the audience, God bless you for putting your hand over your heart!
My eyes is full of tears watching this. I am an Asian but my heart is bursting with pride and deep respect for Staff Sgt Thomas Tavenner. Thank you for your service and for showing us somekind of utmost pride and respect. May God bless you in your new journey in life...
Hello from Los Angeles! I think I understand something close to what you are feeling right now.I never served in the military, but have several friends who did, who once or twice shared stories and experiences from their service that affected them (and myself) quite deeply.
I'm sure you have read, or seen videos about the history and meaning of that Tomb, and surrounding cemetery, and if not, I encourage you to. You didn't say what part of Asia you were from, or are, but the countries I have some knowledge of all share a deep appreciation of the concepts of duty, respect and honor.
Our country is much younger than yours, and I suspect we don't teach our children the concepts I mentioned as deeply as yours. However, we do love our monuments, and try to teach visitors to them their significance. As far as I know, The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is the most solemn and respected monument in the U.S., guarded 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, no matter what the weather , there is a guard whose main purpose is to make sure all visitors maintain a demeanor of silent respect at all times.
I often get emotional watching videos from here when I think about its significance: a place where families of soldiers killed in action whose remains were never recovered or identified can come and pay their respects. No wonder the duty of serving as an Honor Guard is such a rare and sought after post. I had never seen this ceremony either. A very rare event, Glad you appreciated it!
What does your asianness have to do with the rest of your comment?
@@Jugoslavija Maybe he's waiting for his citizenship approval, as so many others don't even care to apply for. Just a thought sir!!
The boy in the background saluting 😊 I wish all Americans could feel this much pride! Congratulations, and thank you, sir!
I noticed it too!
What time stamp was this? I watched this thrice and did not spot a youngster saluting, I saw a young person with an afro and perhaps it was a New Orleans black sweatshirt, shielding the sun from their eyes. Utmost respect for these Tomb Guards, and their total dedication to the job, also love how the US support their military personnel, veterans etc (majority of people anyway).
@@d.i.l.l.i.g.a.f I didn't see any young person saluting either but at 3:52 there is a young man standing with his hand on his heart so maybe that's what they are referring to.
Can you share the time stamp?
Either a salute or hand on the heart it just goes to show there are people still trying to raise their children with respect for others especially during solemn occasions.
Absolutely beautiful!!!! America needs more of this. Thank you for your service! 🇱🇷❤
Im Australian....Thank for your service..im not any way military, marine, army ect but saluted.
This comes no where near anything that we see here in Australia apart from Anzac day.
Tomb of the unknown soldier i have admired for so long, the dedication the men a women who strive to be a Guard to this tomb, my hat comes off for you.
Being an Army and Air Force veteran, I'm quite moved by this ceremony. I know that it's a great honour to be selected to serve in The Old Guard, their criteria was and probably still is well beyond my abilities. Congratulations to the young sergeant. May he continue his life knowing that he's served in perhaps the most prestigious assignment one can have as a veteran.
I also thank you for your service to our great county. All of our veterans deserve our utmost respect.
Retired Navy and this brings tears to my eyes.
I’m moved and I’m only an RN. All moments of those who serve are precious indeed.
I never saw this before and was spellbound! I replayed it over and over.
It was so beautifully sad. 😢
I did not know it was such an honor to be a guard. I hope some men out there won't begin claiming, falsely, that they were guards at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, like many have done with lying about being Navy Seals. Don Shipley knows the truth.
Upmost Respect for Staff Sgt. Thomas Tavenner! Thank you for your service.
Utmost respect. The word we use is utmost, there is no such word as upmost people.
Has this tomb ever been attacked by an enemy? If it was would this guard defend it with his unloaded weapon? I feel like I just watched a middle school play
I'm sorry to say that I've never served in the United States of America Military but every single Military Man or Woman regardless of their Branch of service from the recruit to the Admiral, General, etc whatever their rank is You All Have My Respect,Gratitude, etc. You do what is right for your country. You defend and protect us all from whomever the enemy may be to harm us. God Bless You All.
Staff Sargent Tavernne Thank You so much for your dedication to protecting the Tomb. It was a teary-eyed moment when you gave the rose to lady and with her arm in yours on the escorting.
Thank You Sir.
I'm bawling and choked up. God bless you and your family. My Grandfather, Daddy, Uncles, Aunt, Cousins, and more family members than I can count have served our Country. This reminds me to be proud of our Country. God bless us all. I love you all in Christ. Warm hugs from northern California.
Proud granddaughter of a WWII vet, Daughter of a Korean War Vet , Mother of Iraq Freedom son and another son who was a Cav Scout. This here brought tears to my eyes. Thank you sir for guarding the most sacred of all soldiers!
wenn ich mir nur vorstelle, wieviele unschuldige opfer allein diese familie verursacht haben mag, wird mir übel
Proud? what for. you are a joke.,
Thank you, Ma'am, for you, your grandfather, your father, and both of your sons for their outstanding service to our country. Their service should always be remembered, especially by all who knew them. I will remember your comments.
I salute them all.
Proud daughter of a AIR FORCE vet. Vietnam vet. 35 yrs of service. Sister of a AIR Force vet. Sister in law to ARMY vet retired. Now my great niece is in the Army.
Proud Vietnam Era Navy Veteran, daughter to WW2 Army Veterans (father was 27 year Army retiree), sister to Vietnam Era Army Veteran, widow of 20 year Vietnam Era Navy retiree. Both parents interred in Arlington. My husband is interred in Jacksonville National Cemetery, where I will eventually reside. I've been to Arlington several times, twice for funerals. The Tomb ceremonies are very emotional for me.
So few have earn the Guard, Tomb of the Unknown Soldier Identification Badge. With respect Staff Sgt. Thomas Tavenner.
There is only one badge more rare, and that is the Astronaut badge.
Actually I think the number is about 700 who have the badge.
It takes a very special soldier to do that job.
And the rarest combo is Soldier's Medal and POW medal. Only one known soldier has received both.@@TraceyAllen
These men bring so much honor to our fallen... Thank you Sir for your unwavering service to this great nation.
Thank you for watching over the men and women of our armed forces. God Bless you.
Makes me proud to be an American seeing young people like this and what they sacrifice so we can live like we do. Thank you so much. So much respect for you SIR!!!
Staff Sgt. Tavenner; Thank you for your excellence and dedication in the most important detail for our entire country. My father is buried nearby on Patton Drive and received full services in '01 from The Old Guard. Your efforts and dedication bring honor and peace everyday to all who lay there and you cannot know how much that means to them and us.
Hello People just found this Video. Thank You for putting it out so “Many” can see the Wonderful Dedication to the very “Brave” Amongst You. Uk.
The ceremony of the Changing of the Guard is already the most beautiful and humbling military services anyone could ever witness, but watching a final walk is just breathtaking. If you ever visit Arlington National Cemetery and watch the guard change, turn off your ringer, keep your mouth shut, and just take every ounce of its beauty in. These fine soldiers represent the absolute best of the best, in every way. They protect and preserve the honor, bravery, courage, and sacrifice of everyone who has ever served in our armed forces. I am a navy veteran and all I can say is BZ to every Guard. I have watch the change more than a dozen times in miy life, and I was privileged to watch a final walk in person once, and I get moved to tears EVERY time!
There it’s nothing as beautiful to watch these soldiers guard the tomb! I saw that in person and it is none chilling! THANK YOU each and every one of you!!
Staff Sgt Tavenner. I can't express my gratitude, service, and honor that you have taken for our country. Thank you! Thank you so much.
Stop crying, I'm not crying, I just got something in my eye, ok something in both eyes! Those soldiers are the real deal! to be there and see this is truly amazing! all respect to the men and women who guard the tomb.
What an honor, what an amazing soldier. Soldiers like this makes me even more proud of the men and women who serve this great country
From this vet to all my brothers and sisters in arms, #HandSalute. Wonderful ceremony.
Thank you Staff Sergeant. Without you and your fellow soldiers, we wouldn’t have an America today. We love and respect you. God bless you and your family.
Thanks to every tomb guard who walks their tours with pride and dignity. Your brothers and sisters of all branches appreciate what you do and have the utmost respect for you and the solemn post you walk. -Sgt USAF
Thank you Staff Sargent Tavenner for your dedication and respect you have shared with us all. You are an inspiration and it is my privilege to say BRAVO ZULU. Well done soldier, and congratulations.
What can I say that hasn't been eloquently done before me. God Bless you and your family Sgt. Tavenner. Well done good and Faithful servant...well done.
Thank-you, Staff Sgt. Tavenner for your most honorable service to our country and to the Tomb of Unknowns.
Staff Sgt Thomas Tavenner, Thank You for your service at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
As a veteran of an ally Country with family who served in 2 allied Counties 🇨🇦🇬🇧 thank-you for your service Staff Sgt. Tavenner.
For those in attendance, thank-you for being present and for taking your children and youth. The Unites States of America 🇺🇸 is the largest and greatest military in the world. Without you, our Counties would not enjoy the freedom we have to today.
God Bless America 🇺🇸 ❤ The land of the free and the home of the brave 🇺🇸🕊️
78 year old 6 plus years Navy Vet. 2 tours Vietnam vet 1 of which was a river rat 1965-66 proud of my service and proud to see Staff Sgt. Get his reward for a great service to our country. Thank you Sgt. I salute You.
They have a 2 year training & cannot speak to anyone the first year. Extremely incredible service with gigantic hearts & souls.Thank you all.
It's 2 weeks initial training followed by 7-8 months of more detailed training, not 2 years. A typical Guard assignment is only 18 months. The tomb badge is temporarily awarded after the sentinel has passed a series of tests. Permanent award of the badge is made after 9 months of service. I would say it's unusual for a sentinel to get his badge on his last day of duty. Maybe this was ceremonial. The no talking part is urban legend.
@@ahill209 the no talking part is while they are on guard duty.
Thank you for the information. @@ahill209
@@DragonNinja4680 Yeah were all aware of that... The no talking part is a myth when talking about what the OP is suggesting.
They get to keep the rifle as their own personal property.
Staff Sgt. I cried watching this but on another note. Looking in the background in the crowd. I saw young men and women with their hands on their hearts showing extreme respect to you, our military, and our country. Thier is still hope for our country thanks to you and those young people who know what America is about. GOD BLESS YOU ALL, GOD BLESS THE UNITED STATES.
I am a Canadian Civilian and was greatly moved by this Ceremony . May God bless him and all those that serve in both our Countries .
Thank you sergeant and thank you to whoever chose to share this video with those who applaud your dignity, grace and sacrifice to your profession. I have had the privilege of seeing the changing of the guard in person, and it’s one of the most beautiful, touching ceremonies I’ve ever witnessed.
God bless all those who continue to serve and all those who have served before.
As a 72 yo Navy veteran I stand silently and proudly salute you for your service and dedication to the unknowns and our nation. May God be with my brother in arms.
From a Marine OIF veteran, thank you for your service. Semper Fi. 🇺🇸
Thank You For Your Service To The USA.United States Army Veteran Here.God Bless The USA.🇺🇸🇺🇸
I just finished my make-up, and now I have to start over again. This had me in tears. Thank you for your service. 😢 🇺🇸
On Behalf of my Great Grandfather who was injured in the Civil War, for my Grandfather who was injured in WWI, for my Father who was in the 1st Marine Division in Korea and for the countless other brave Men and Women who served to defend our Nation - Thank You Staff Sgt Tavenner for Your Service and Dedication to this task. Job Well Done. Nothing Stirs the Heart More than Watching You Perform Your Duty. God Bless.
Thank you for your service. Arlington National Cemetery is the final resting place of my closest family. My grandfather, a West Point graduate, helped build the Panama Canal. He died in the 1920s and was buried in one of the large gravesites on one of the hills. My father, also a West Point graduate, was killed in action during WWII. He joined his father at the gravesite in the 1940s. My grandmother died in the 1960s and joined her husband and son. Finally, my mother joined her husband in 2010. Thank you for keeping them all safe.
Thank you to your Family for their service to our country. My father was in WWII, but did come back from the South Pacific. God Bless❤
Thank you for your kind words. My family's military service skipped a couple of generations, but one of my grandsons is currently serving in the Navy@@118Lilith
From France, thanks for your service and to our continued alliance.
As a fellow, Retired Navy Veteran. I PROUDLY SALUTE YOU SGT. TAVENNER. Well Done. * 21 Gun Salute*
To all that walk through the day and night we THANK YOU GOD BLESS YOU AND YOUR FAMILY AND THE USA.....🇺🇸
Thank you for sharing this .
Incredible. Thank you sir for your service, honor, integrity, dedication, and extreme professionalism.
I have been fortunate to have seen the Changing of the Guard at Arlington, and it was an honor to see it. My heartfelt thanks to all of the Tomb Guards who have stood watch over the Unknown Soldiers through all kinds of weather (along with the occasional rude spectators......😞) with great honor and respect to all who paid the ultimate price for freedom from tyranny and oppression throughout the world. I bow to you, and may God Bless all of the military personnel and their families, wherever they may be, and may we never forget the cost of freedom.....and those who paid it for all of mankind. 🗽🗽🗽❤🤍💙💖
The men and women who guard the Tomb put in a massive effort to earn their positions, and even more extra effort and sacrifice to maintain those positions. To have earned this badge speaks volumes about his dedication.
Well done Staff Sergeant, and thank you.
His parents raised him right from the start. I’m sure they are proud of him. Thank you for raising a hero.
By far, the best thing I’ve seen lately. My heart needed this. Thank you
These men and women that guard the tomb have my ultimate undying respect and gratitude! They are the epitome of service and perfection for our country. This is a life long commitment not just for their term of service ! God bless each and every one of them.
SSgt Tavenner, I am honored to have served this United States with you. You don’t know me, but I honor your dedication, determination, skill, and absolute attention to detail. Thank you.
absolutely beautiful. i feel so proud of him and all the work and dedication
Thank you for your dedication and service
This is a moment that every American should attend, and witness the dedication the men and women go through guarding the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington cemetery, thank you for your service and dedication to Unknown Soldier that rests there! 🇺🇸
To one of America's Finest and Most Honorable,.. Staff Sgt. Thomas Tavenner,.. as an American citizen, I can never thank you enough for your professionalism, integrity, service and honor. You make this old man remember and feel the pride of being an American Citizen. Your incredible moment of accomplishment warms my heart for love of God, Country and Family. God Bless you Staff Sgt. Thomas Tavenner.
It is absolutely amazing to see someone doing something that means so much to him. And for the last time.
Thank you so much for your service
Thank you for your service Staff Sgt. Thomas Tavenner. You are a damned hero , Sir.
Duty, Honor, Country. This ceremony is probably the most pure thing left in the military. What an honor.
Much respect and thank you for your service!
Wow so touching. Thank you for your service. What an honor it must be to have to guard the Tomb of the Unknown.
Respect brother . Coming from a vet .
I have never served, but all the men in my family have. This ceremony moves me to tears every time. God Bless and keep you. You are true warrior and heroes.
Beautiful! Thank you for your service!
I went to the Tomb! It was such an honor and these guards deserve RESPECT!! Thank you to the tomb guards
Thank you and respect to Staff Sgt. Thomas Tavenner. Thank you for your service, Sir.
Thank you so very much for your commitment and professionalism in honoring all of those represented by the Tomb.
Thank you so much for all your service. God bless you
I’m crying. Congratulations to you Sir and thank you.
I’m about to retire from the Navy after 25 years. I want to say thank you. What you have done is goes above amd beyond!!! Wish you and your family the best!!!
Thank you for your 25 year service to our Country.
❤ Thank you for sharing this
The roses on the tombs just broke me. What a beautiful ceremony.
Loyal poetry in motion !!!Congratulations Sir... Things like that make me still proud to be an American regardless of all the trash happening out here in our sad country.❤🇺🇲❤🇺🇲❤
Well done Staff SGT Tavenner! Thank you for your Service to this great Country! God Bless you!
Thank u for your brave service and so honored to watch this video.❤
Thank you Sir you truly represent the best of us.
I served in the United States Marine Corps. When I visited the statute of the Marine Corps War Memorial in Washington, D.C. - the flag rasing on Iwo Jima, based on the famous photograph taken by Joe Rosenthal, I unashamedly shed many tears. It took my breath away.
This video has touched the same spot in my heart. God bless Staff Sgt. Thomas Tavenner, and all who do this holy and consecrated work. I am a patriot. I get teary-eyed at the raising of the flag or the playing of our National Anthem, "The Star-Spangled Banner." I love my country. I don't always love my government - but I love my country.
Semper Fidelis and God bless America.
My eyes is full of tears watching this. I am an Asian but my heart is bursting with pride and deep respect for Sgt. Thank you for your service and for showing to us somekind of utmost pride and respect. May God bless you in your new journey in life...