There actually aren't though. I also used to believe the guards had loaded rifles, but they're purely ceremonial. However, officers nearby do have loaded handguns.
4:12 The Uknown Warrior is buried in Westminster Abbey. Specifically, because he lies among Kings, as befits the level of honor intended. The text inscribed on the tomb reads: 'They buried him among the kings, because he had done good toward God and toward his house'.
I was lucky enough to visit the Tomb Of The Unknown back in 1994 on a school trip to D.C. It was a very humbling experience. We were probably 50, 14-15 year olds and I think you could have heard a pin drop. I don't understand the idiots that disrespect the Tomb.
I live 45 mins from dc and went on a school trip there but I took my girls bc I homeschool. There was a kid who was I would call it special. He couldn’t stay quiet and the guard made his mom remove him. The guards voice was scary loud
Incredible memorial. One of the places I was fortunate to be present at over my years of travel that you can't forget. Not just that monument but the rows of white crosses representing the bodies of those who gave it all to protect democracy.
The US has been bringing back the remains of young men who died on distant battlefields from World War Two and Korea. A number of Iowa men who died on the USS Oklahoma at Pearl Harbor have been identified and reinterned back in their home state, next to their loved ones. It is not just a symbol of the highest honor, but it brings closing for surviving family members who didn't get to see the final resting place of their loved ones. This sadly is not the case for the over 900 men who remain entombed inside the USS Arizona far from the states they called home. They will not be recovered as a result of the structural deterioration of the ship and the government dedicating it as a tomb right after the war. I one day want to visit the Arizona Memorial at Pearl Harbor and pay my respects to all who lost their lives that morning, but especially to the 25 Iowans who remain with their fellow shipmates.
I have been to the Arizona Memorial. It is quite an experience. Despite the tropical climate, I felt a chill in the air, and it seemed a bit difficult to breath.
Visiting the Arizona is a truly moving experience. Silence is demanded while above the tomb as a sign of respect. Unlike when I’ve visited the Tomb of the Unknown, I was moved to tears by the extraordinary loss at Pearl Harbor.
I have family at Arlington Cemetery in VA. Recently laid to rest. They are at the columbariums. It's very beautiful with a water fountain and it's much more quiet than some of the touristy areas. When visiting, soldiers will always salute the families coming in with a special pass so they can drive on through. I used to visit every July on or near my great grandmother's bday. I have 4 grandparents there.
@@eemaanakhany death while on duty is not the only prerequisite. There are a few conditions where "Service Members" (and family) qualify to be buried there or at any other Military Cemetery. I am a retired Army Sergeant Major...with 28yrs in service, but that is not the only qualifier. My wife died in 2000 and because I am eligible to be buried at Arlington she is there now and I will be buried there with her when I die.
@@eemaanakhanyMy father was USN retired and when he passed in 2015, he could have been buried in Arlington but we choose to have him buried at the Alfred G. Horton Jr Memorial Veterans Cemetery in Suffolk, VA. It is so beautiful and peaceful there, plus it is only an hour away from where we live so we can visit him.
I live in Kentucky so it isn't too far for me to visit. I visit maybe once a year and every time it is so mesmerizing and haunting in a way. So beautiful
You guys might like "The Saluting Marine" Every year a group of thousands of bikers with Harley Davidson's ride around the capitol in memory of prisoners of war and missing in action servicemen and women. Back in the early 2000's I believe, a marine (Tim Chambers) stood in the median of the street where the bikers ride and he holds a salute for hours while the parade continues. After standing and saluting for an hour or more, you can see the struggle of the marine to hold a salute. Body shakes, profusely sweating, and swaying, but yet, still holds a salute til the end. An amazing guy to check out. Not sure if they have any 10 to 20 minute documentaries about him, but I know there are a couple 2 minute videos about him all over youtube. So, I recommend a watch of some of them.
I visited the tomb in July 2006 and it was totally impressive. They don't show on the video how close you are to the guard. When they stop and chew ass you listen and do what they say. Many times I teared up but none more so than when I read the inscription on the end of the tomb. Worth seeing for anyone.
I would be interested to see what it takes to become a queens guard also. From what I’ve seen as an American, the queens guard don’t mess around. Would be neat to have a comparison
On the small island of Ocracoke, North Carolina is a cemetary whose ground is leased in perpetuity to the British Commonwealth for as long as the four British WWII sailors are buried there. Their ship was torpedoed by a German U-boat with all 37 lost. Four soldiers washed ashore and the people of Ocracoke buried them beside the local cemetary. Each year, on the anniversary of the sinking, there is a ceremony for the sailors, with representatives of the British Royal Navy and the U.S. Coast Guard. Plaques near the graves tell the story of Bedfordshire and list all the names of those who died, and a few lines from poet Rupert Brooke: “If I should die think only this of me,That there’s some corner of a foreign field That is forever England.” While we know the names of these young sailors, I like to think we honor their memory and thier defense of the US.
I have been and watched the changing of the guard. It was eerie and somber. I will never forget it and I appreciated how everyone in the audience was very respectful. You don't get to see that too often.
Great reaction. There’s a video out there of a guard who gets stabbed in the foot by his bayonet during the changing of the guard. He barely flinches and finishes his walk with blood coming out of his shoe. You should check it out.
Check out an old video called this is Rolling Thunder, it's a video about a demonstration in Washington DC during the Memorial Day weekend to bring awareness to the MIA's and POW's. Now the demonstration is called Rolling to Remember
The lineage of the 3rd Infantry Regiment ("The Old Guard") goes back to a battery of artillery created to guard the arsenal at West Point in 1783. At that time, the entire American Revolutionary War's Continental Army was being dissolved, except for 80 me (one battery of artillery and one company of infantry). It is thus the oldest surviving U.S. Army unit.
Death doesn't wipe away the atrocities anyone has committed or elevate only the convenient, positive history that some want to push. Your story/book of life should include it ALL. Death doesn't and shouldn't absolve that, even for Churchill. Please tell a Holocaust survivor that the death of Hitler or a Nazi camp guard who may have done some positives in their lives only that positive should be heard or talked about in their history.
Thousands of soldiers died unidentified in WW1&2, Korea, and Vietnam. They were never accorded the honors they deserved because no one knew what their deeds were and their families were never informed because no one knew whom to notify. The Tomb is a way to tell soldiers "We believe this is the honor you deserve, even if we do not know your name," but it also gave a place to mourn for those families who were never notified, but would have realized by that time that their son, father, or husband was not coming back. So it was also a way of comforting those families by saying, "We believe this is the honor your son deserves." Can you imagine showing up with a wreath for the only memorial you have and seeing it covered in graffiti?
As far as the sentinels and live weapons go, only the lead carries a pistol with real rounds. The rifles are unloaded (supposedly a guard in the 40's fired a warning shot to scare off a burglar and the round hit a woman in the leg hundreds of yards away off the base). That being said, they are real rifles and make very effective clubs. The bayonets are also real, judging by an incident several years ago were a guard accidently stabbed his foot when he mishandled his rifle and it fell blade first on then through his foot. I can't find any reference to a tomb guard stabbing anyone, there are several recorded references to them clubbing vandals or protesters who ignored verbal warnings.
The Tomb Guards are there to deter. If there is any real threat, the DOD police assigned to Ft Meyer (which is adjacent to Arlington and is responsible for it's security), would be there in a few minutes.
I've been to Arlington National Cemetery twice and watched the changing of the guard both times. The first time was in 1994 on my 8th grade Washington Trip when 3 students from my class were chosen to lay the wreath and then again like 4 years ago. Both times it is really impressive to watch, but as an adult I definitely appreciated and respected it more.
You’re so spot on Dax, about the rush of pride and ALL the images that are remembered over so many years of so many friends and foes ... I still cry...
AS AN AMERICAN I WAS ON HOLIDAY IN LONDON NOT LONG AGO AND WHEN THE QUEENS GUARDS WERE CHANGING, PEDESTRIANS WERE IN THE WAY AND THE QUEENS GUARDS DID NOT SLOW THEIR PACE AT ALL, AS IF THERE WERE NO PEDESTRIANS IN THEIR WAY AT ALL. THE PEDESTRIANS HAD TO SCURRY TO AVOID GETTING TRAMPLED BY THE GUARDS. IT GAVE ME CHILLS TO SEE. VERY IMPRESSIVE!
The 3rd Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard) is stationed at Fort Myer, which is connected to Arlington. They provide ceremonial support to the White House, Congress etc in the Military District of Washington. That includes ordinary burials at Arlington for the Army (there are ceremonial guards from Navy and Air Force also). There is a movie (1987 I think) starring James Caan called "GARDENS OF STONE"....while it's not specifically about the guards of the Unknown Soldier it does show what the other burial units do. The Guards of the Unknown Soldier come from from that pool of personnel (Infantry only). Behind the grave/monument and down the hill a bit is John F. KENNEDY'S grave. Out in the background is the Potomac River and Washington DC.
To answer your question, there likely isn't actually a round chambered until he chambers the rifle. And I've heard the queens guard don't have live ammunition in the magazine, but they are all given one with live ammunition to hide on their person in case something serious does happen where they have to actually defend the area.
US here, I’m fairly certain that our sentinels rifles are not chambered. I visited the tomb once and remember them cocking the rifle a few times throughout the ceremony and inspection during the changing of the guard. Although i do remember the guard who performed the inspection a pistol on his belt that I’m sure is loaded. Especially with all the crazies out there today and with how popular amongst crowds and sentimental this place is, terrorism or shootings and having a way to stop them is certainly a concern
Running an M14's action is quite loud and makes quite the point of emphasis. Also just realized that the question of loadout is definitely answered should these be M14s, because no magazine is present.
A reverent place for Americans - so many lost and known only to God. (PS: maybe a review of a Guard change would be nice?) They walk 21 steps - turn - count 21 - turn - return. Also, everything they do is in increments of 7 (gun salutes, steps, etc.) Honoring the Tomb and Unknown.
The Tomb of the unknown Warrior is in Westminster & pre dates the one in the US by a year. I'm not sure which was planned first but a British Chaplain suggested the idea during WW1.
The Unkhown Soldier in Arlington was awarded the Victoria Cross by King George V in response to the award of the Medal of Honor awarded to the Unknown Warrior by the US President.
This year was the hundredth memorial anniversary of the tomb of the unknown. My dad was in the old guard unit in the 90s so going to the memorial was very important to him. They allowed civilians to place roses on the graves. You saw soldiers and veterans salute and civilians place hands over their hearts. My dad says that there's 26 funerals a day at Arlington. When walking through the cemetery itself that day, it was more pacts than normal. So when Taps was played at a current funeral, it was chilling when all these veterans went still and saluted in the direction of the funeral. Civilians followed suit.
I remember going there in 2017 and the amount of times the guard had to yell at the visitors was disgraceful. It was mainly foreigners who didn't understand to be quiet.
I have witnessed the changing of the guard. I feel in the world today standards are getting lower and lower if it's ok it's good enough. These warriors there is only one way. The right way. Much love mates
Arlington Cemetery was established on the grounds of what had been Confederate General Robert E. Lee's plantation estate. The first soldier laid to rest there was Pvt. William Christman, 21, of the 67th Pennsylvania Infantry, who was buried in a plot on Arlington's northeast corner on May 13, 1864.
I have a great (or a great great I'm unsure) uncle who is somewhere in France buried in one of their WW2 cemeteries, our family has lost track of where and none of us have ever been able to travel there to try and find him and maybe attempt to bring his remains home, instead members of my family would go to the Tomb of the Unknown to honor him.
7:45 iirc the queensguard do carry weapons loaded with live ammunition, and seeing as they are meant to guard the queen, they are authorized to use lethal force against anyone who poses a threat to the queen. I'm not sure if they ever had to, though.
The tomb of the unknown soldier represents all fallen soldiers in foreign wars. And my respect goes to every guard. If a forest fire sweeps the land of the tomb, the guard will not leave his post. If the blizzard of the century hits, the guard will not leave his post. If a nuclear bomb is headed pin point for the location. The guard will not leave his post. There's no higher respect to anyone in the military not even a 5 star General.
"Freedom Isn't Free". The Unknown Soldier and other war memorials around the free world are there to remind us of the price so many of our countrymen & women have paid for our freedom.
I Know You Are Really Interested In The Tomb Of The Unknown Soldier So You Should Watch And React To The Video "The Mistake That Haunts This Guard Of The Tomb Of The Unknown Soldier" It Is Incredibly Emotional But Absolutely Positively 100% Worth Watching For Sure. It Is An Important Video And Really Shows The True Meaning Behind The Tomb Of The Unknown Soldier. I Grew Up In Maryland/Washington, D.C. From Birth To The Age Of 18 Years Old And Have Been To The Tomb Of The Uknown Soldier At Arlington National Cemetary In Virginia Multiple Times And I Have Seen The Changing Of The Guards And The Other Ceremonies Multiple Times!!!!!
Have any of you see the video where the one guard drops the gun and the bayonet stabs the other guard on top of the foot, the guard doesn’t flinch then marches back and forth, every step you see blood oozing out the foot, after a few minutes they change the guard out
These guards are all kids - I used to live across the street from Arlington Cemetery, where the Tomb is located, & saw the guards out jogging every morning. Kids, all of 'em under 25 years old. Very brave, very valiant, very deserving of respect. There are a couple of videos about the history of the Tomb that you blokes should find & watch.
when you guys do finally make it to the US, if you can make it work for your schedule you should try and get to Kansas City to see the National World War I Museum, Liberty Memorial. It is the only national museum and memorial, that I am aware of, that isn't in D.C. and is well worth the trip for anyone interested in history.
Y’all need to watch the video of the story of how they chose the unknown soldier! They actually bought back 5 soldiers and ask a young sailor to choose. Then the other 4 soldiers went to other nation for Memorials.
No bodies except for the Unknowns themselves have returned to the US. If you are referring to the WWI Unknown Soldier, there were four candidates and Army Sergeant Younger chose the one that now rests in the Tomb. The choice was made in Châlons-sur-Marne, and the three not selected were buried in the Meuse Argonne Cemetery. The WWII Unknown was chosen by a Navy Corpman (MOH recipient Charette) from two candidates aboard the USS Canberra. The candidate not selected was buried at sea. Korean War Unknown was chosen (from among four) at the national cemetery referred to as the Punch Bowl by Army Master Sergeant Lyle. The three not selected are buried at the Punch Bowl.
There is a video you should see bet it is very short.Check out tomb guard gets stabbed.Most don't know the video is even out there and it's painful to watch.Its a super short video but worth it.The best shot was posted by Jeez Globe
Some facts not mentioned. The 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment traditionally known as "The Old Guard," is the oldest active-duty infantry unit in the US Army,1784. The Tomb Guards on duty do carry ammunition and have qualified Expert with the M-14 rifle. Arlington National Cemetery was confederate gen. Robert E Lee's Plantation 'Arlington'. The first burial a Union Soldier in Lee's rose garden during our civil war. The US WW1 unknown Soldier was Awarded the Victoria Cross. The WW1 Unknown Warrior of the UK in Westminster Abby, was Awarded The Medal of Honor.
The Tomb Guards DO NOT carry ammo on them. There MAY be ammo in their guard shack off to the side, but it is not immediately on their person. Further, their rifles are unloaded at all times during their shift. Tomb Guards do not qualify with the M14 as that is not their standard infantry load-out when not conducting ceremonial duties. They qualify with M4s just like everyone else.
The highest honor in the US military is to be selected to serve at Arlington. And that’s any branch! The US Army is in charge, but it is all branches. YOU MUST BE 100% at all times! Army Guards the Tomb! There are Navy, Marines, Air Force, Coast Guard, etc. Honor Guard and body bearers. The Army bears the body on a caisson, but the Marines are burying a Marine, it will be a Marine Platoon marching with the body.
Even though I am an American, I would think the Queens guards would most definitely have bullets in their guns as it is their job to guard the palace, royals, and staff.
The guards are carrying an M14 carbine, "30-06". With a 6 round clip. And yes they are loaded. American military will not wear a head cover in doors, if they are not armed. If an American soldier is wearing a head cover indoors or guarding anything, They will be armed and loaded.
1. The M14 is not a "carbine" but a full sized rifle. 2. It's caliber is 7.62x51mm NATO or .308. It is not .30-06. The older M1 Garand was a .30-06 rifle. 3. The M14 is normally loaded with 20rd magazines, although there are commercially available ones with small capacity. Again, the older M1 had an 8rd capacity. 4. Their rifles ARE NOT loaded at any time during their guard shift. If you watch the changing of the guard ceremony, the rifle is cleared several times: at least twice during the inspection and once when the guard is relieved by the next shift. At no time is a magazine ever inserted into the magazine well. Guards don't even carry a magazine on them.
I looked into serving in the U. S. Air Force Honor Guard when I was in the service during the 1980's. However, being only 5 foot 9 inches tall, I failed to meet the minimum 5 foot 10 inch height requirement. I was surprised to see some shorter personnel in this video. Have times changed?
I won an essay contest in 6th grade to lay the wreath at the Tomb of The Unknown Soldier. It was very solemn and serious. The guards are so tall, I think they must be 6ft plus to even be allowed to guard for the men and 5'10 or so for women.
8:16 the queens guards don’t have Loaded weapons however there are many armed cops and a emergency response team near by the guards can hit or stabbed you if you are a treat or continue to harass them after ~2 verbal warnings then the bayonet pointed at you however the police normally will arrest the troublemaker before it gets to that point. The gun may not be loaded but a bayonet doesn’t need ammo and they are still soldiers and can fight like them.
I guarantee that the Queens guard have bullets in their weapons, i know and im from Norway :D No hate i just had to say it, i love this channel and your reaction :D
I hope all the people that broke the rules were foreign tourists with no understanding. but if you're American and do this than seriously consider if you even deserve to be on this planet.
"Do you think there are bullets in his rifle?" Haha. Hahahahahaha. This is America. Of course there are bullets in his rifle. ;-)
There actually aren't though. I also used to believe the guards had loaded rifles, but they're purely ceremonial. However, officers nearby do have loaded handguns.
@@deepgoldjellyfish And fixed bayonets don't require ammunition.
Oh how wrong you are pal
You know there aren't bullets in the rifles.. As he said, "this is america".. But they're no way near a school..
@@robione5627 I believe the also keep 762 clip inside those pouches as well so if they did need to load the m14 they could
4:12 The Uknown Warrior is buried in Westminster Abbey. Specifically, because he lies among Kings, as befits the level of honor intended.
The text inscribed on the tomb reads:
'They buried him among the kings, because he had done good toward God and toward his house'.
Thanks for your comment, I learned something new!
What a lovely inscription. :)
You can feel the badass-ness when he cocked his weapon and says, "Behind the chain and rail!".
My father was recently chosen to present the wreath at the tomb. Quite an honor.
I was lucky enough to visit the Tomb Of The Unknown back in 1994 on a school trip to D.C. It was a very humbling experience. We were probably 50, 14-15 year olds and I think you could have heard a pin drop. I don't understand the idiots that disrespect the Tomb.
Ha. I also went in the summer of 94 for a high school band trip and we went to that as well.
I live 45 mins from dc and went on a school trip there but I took my girls bc I homeschool. There was a kid who was I would call it special. He couldn’t stay quiet and the guard made his mom remove him. The guards voice was scary loud
People who show disrespect were raised in a barn.
You Guys, There is a video "The Story Of The Unknown Soldier" and this one gives a much clearer understanding of what it is all about.
They should definitely watched that video, it is a great video.
Incredible memorial. One of the places I was fortunate to be present at over my years of travel that you can't forget. Not just that monument but the rows of white crosses representing the bodies of those who gave it all to protect democracy.
America is a great Republic.
The US has been bringing back the remains of young men who died on distant battlefields from World War Two and Korea.
A number of Iowa men who died on the USS Oklahoma at Pearl Harbor have been identified and reinterned back in their home state, next to their loved ones. It is not just a symbol of the highest honor, but it brings closing for surviving family members who didn't get to see the final resting place of their loved ones.
This sadly is not the case for the over 900 men who remain entombed inside the USS Arizona far from the states they called home. They will not be recovered as a result of the structural deterioration of the ship and the government dedicating it as a tomb right after the war.
I one day want to visit the Arizona Memorial at Pearl Harbor and pay my respects to all who lost their lives that morning, but especially to the 25 Iowans who remain with their fellow shipmates.
I have been to the Arizona Memorial. It is quite an experience. Despite the tropical climate, I felt a chill in the air, and it seemed a bit difficult to breath.
Visiting the Arizona is a truly moving experience. Silence is demanded while above the tomb as a sign of respect. Unlike when I’ve visited the Tomb of the Unknown, I was moved to tears by the extraordinary loss at Pearl Harbor.
One day, they will have to do something about the Arizona. It is leaking oil into the ocean.
My Grandfather's cousin lays with his shipmates in the Arizona
I have family at Arlington Cemetery in VA. Recently laid to rest. They are at the columbariums. It's very beautiful with a water fountain and it's much more quiet than some of the touristy areas. When visiting, soldiers will always salute the families coming in with a special pass so they can drive on through. I used to visit every July on or near my great grandmother's bday. I have 4 grandparents there.
Do you only get buried there if you die in combat or can you be buried there if you die years later, after the war(s)?
@@eemaanakhany death while on duty is not the only prerequisite. There are a few conditions where "Service Members" (and family) qualify to be buried there or at any other Military Cemetery. I am a retired Army Sergeant Major...with 28yrs in service, but that is not the only qualifier. My wife died in 2000 and because I am eligible to be buried at Arlington she is there now and I will be buried there with her when I die.
@@eemaanakhanyMy father was USN retired and when he passed in 2015, he could have been buried in Arlington but we choose to have him buried at the Alfred G. Horton Jr Memorial Veterans Cemetery in Suffolk, VA. It is so beautiful and peaceful there, plus it is only an hour away from where we live so we can visit him.
I live in Kentucky so it isn't too far for me to visit. I visit maybe once a year and every time it is so mesmerizing and haunting in a way. So beautiful
You guys might like "The Saluting Marine" Every year a group of thousands of bikers with Harley Davidson's ride around the capitol in memory of prisoners of war and missing in action servicemen and women. Back in the early 2000's I believe, a marine (Tim Chambers) stood in the median of the street where the bikers ride and he holds a salute for hours while the parade continues. After standing and saluting for an hour or more, you can see the struggle of the marine to hold a salute. Body shakes, profusely sweating, and swaying, but yet, still holds a salute til the end.
An amazing guy to check out. Not sure if they have any 10 to 20 minute documentaries about him, but I know there are a couple 2 minute videos about him all over youtube. So, I recommend a watch of some of them.
That is called "Rolling Thunder" and happens on Memorial Day weekend (end of May).
I remember seeing images of him, so touching!
I visited the tomb in July 2006 and it was totally impressive. They don't show on the video how close you are to the guard. When they stop and chew ass you listen and do what they say. Many times I teared up but none more so than when I read the inscription on the end of the tomb. Worth seeing for anyone.
I missed my friend's funeral but I made it to Arlington during his funeral. It was very cathartic to mourn him there.
I would be interested to see what it takes to become a queens guard also. From what I’ve seen as an American, the queens guard don’t mess around. Would be neat to have a comparison
They Shall Not Grow Old was amazing. Agree definitely watch it if you get a chance.
Wow. I had no idea of the training involved. Amazing. Even more respect for them.
On the small island of Ocracoke, North Carolina is a cemetary whose ground is leased in perpetuity to the British Commonwealth for as long as the four British WWII sailors are buried there. Their ship was torpedoed by a German U-boat with all 37 lost. Four soldiers washed ashore and the people of Ocracoke buried them beside the local cemetary. Each year, on the anniversary of the sinking, there is a ceremony for the sailors, with representatives of the British Royal Navy and the U.S. Coast Guard. Plaques near the graves tell the story of Bedfordshire and list all the names of those who died, and a few lines from poet Rupert Brooke: “If I should die think only this of me,That there’s some corner of a foreign field That is forever England.” While we know the names of these young sailors, I like to think we honor their memory and thier defense of the US.
I have been and watched the changing of the guard. It was eerie and somber. I will never forget it and I appreciated how everyone in the audience was very respectful. You don't get to see that too often.
Great reaction. There’s a video out there of a guard who gets stabbed in the foot by his bayonet during the changing of the guard. He barely flinches and finishes his walk with blood coming out of his shoe. You should check it out.
You should watch the changing of the guard
Agreed
A lot of people think the Queen's guards are silly men in hats, but they're active duty soldiers and they don't fuck around.
Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is in Arlington Virginia at the National Arlington Cemetery
Check out an old video called this is Rolling Thunder, it's a video about a demonstration in Washington DC during the Memorial Day weekend to bring awareness to the MIA's and POW's. Now the demonstration is called Rolling to Remember
The lineage of the 3rd Infantry Regiment ("The Old Guard") goes back to a battery of artillery created to guard the arsenal at West Point in 1783. At that time, the entire American Revolutionary War's Continental Army was being dissolved, except for 80 me (one battery of artillery and one company of infantry). It is thus the oldest surviving U.S. Army unit.
Thank you gentlemen . TEXAS HERE, U.S. NAVY VETERAN!!
Go Navy! Also a Navy vet ⚓
I know The Tomb is outside of DC, but the National Mall in DC -- the monuments, memorials, museums, govt bldgs -- spectacular.
Churchill was the man that saved the UK and all of England. He needs a guard like that.
Death doesn't wipe away the atrocities anyone has committed or elevate only the convenient, positive history that some want to push. Your story/book of life should include it ALL. Death doesn't and shouldn't absolve that, even for Churchill. Please tell a Holocaust survivor that the death of Hitler or a Nazi camp guard who may have done some positives in their lives only that positive should be heard or talked about in their history.
Thousands of soldiers died unidentified in WW1&2, Korea, and Vietnam. They were never accorded the honors they deserved because no one knew what their deeds were and their families were never informed because no one knew whom to notify. The Tomb is a way to tell soldiers "We believe this is the honor you deserve, even if we do not know your name," but it also gave a place to mourn for those families who were never notified, but would have realized by that time that their son, father, or husband was not coming back. So it was also a way of comforting those families by saying, "We believe this is the honor your son deserves." Can you imagine showing up with a wreath for the only memorial you have and seeing it covered in graffiti?
As far as the sentinels and live weapons go, only the lead carries a pistol with real rounds. The rifles are unloaded (supposedly a guard in the 40's fired a warning shot to scare off a burglar and the round hit a woman in the leg hundreds of yards away off the base). That being said, they are real rifles and make very effective clubs. The bayonets are also real, judging by an incident several years ago were a guard accidently stabbed his foot when he mishandled his rifle and it fell blade first on then through his foot. I can't find any reference to a tomb guard stabbing anyone, there are several recorded references to them clubbing vandals or protesters who ignored verbal warnings.
Nothing like a good ole butt strike across the head.
And after all of that there's a knuckle sandwich and a kick up the backside.
The Tomb Guards are there to deter. If there is any real threat, the DOD police assigned to Ft Meyer (which is adjacent to Arlington and is responsible for it's security), would be there in a few minutes.
Since WW2 there have been 3 more soldiers added. So 1 from WW1, 1 from WW2, 1 from Korean War and 1 from Vietnam.
The Unknown from the Vietnam War was later identified using DNA. That part of the tomb is empty.
Imagine if it was a german
@@Sumfinfunny777 His name was Michael Joseph Blassie from St. Louis, Missouri.
How do they decide who gets to go in?
@@TheRivieraKid There is info about that on the Wikipedia page:
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tomb_of_the_Unknown_Soldier_(Arlington)
I've been to Arlington National Cemetery twice and watched the changing of the guard both times. The first time was in 1994 on my 8th grade Washington Trip when 3 students from my class were chosen to lay the wreath and then again like 4 years ago. Both times it is really impressive to watch, but as an adult I definitely appreciated and respected it more.
You’re so spot on Dax, about the rush of pride and ALL the images that are remembered over so many years of so many friends and foes ... I still cry...
AS AN AMERICAN I WAS ON HOLIDAY IN LONDON NOT LONG AGO AND WHEN THE QUEENS GUARDS WERE CHANGING, PEDESTRIANS WERE IN THE WAY AND THE QUEENS GUARDS DID NOT SLOW THEIR PACE AT ALL, AS IF THERE WERE NO PEDESTRIANS IN THEIR WAY AT ALL. THE PEDESTRIANS HAD TO SCURRY TO AVOID GETTING TRAMPLED BY THE GUARDS. IT GAVE ME CHILLS TO SEE. VERY IMPRESSIVE!
The 3rd Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard) is stationed at Fort Myer, which is connected to Arlington. They provide ceremonial support to the White House, Congress etc in the Military District of Washington. That includes ordinary burials at Arlington for the Army (there are ceremonial guards from Navy and Air Force also). There is a movie (1987 I think) starring James Caan called "GARDENS OF STONE"....while it's not specifically about the guards of the Unknown Soldier it does show what the other burial units do. The Guards of the Unknown Soldier come from from that pool of personnel (Infantry only). Behind the grave/monument and down the hill a bit is John F. KENNEDY'S grave. Out in the background is the Potomac River and Washington DC.
Along with being a tomb guard is officially having a “soldierly appearance”.
Never mess with a Vatican guard, The Swiss is some tough well-trained cookies
Imagine it you're dead just a random soldier and are buried in a nice marble tomb and being honored everyday forever
For all those debating if the weapons are loaded ... the Tomb Guard is not the only security personnel at the Tomb.
Tomb of the unknown soldier is for all the fallen soldiers that have never comeback
To answer your question, there likely isn't actually a round chambered until he chambers the rifle.
And I've heard the queens guard don't have live ammunition in the magazine, but they are all given one with live ammunition to hide on their person in case something serious does happen where they have to actually defend the area.
There is a video about the Unknown soldiers. Tells when and why they were laid to rest there. Very interesting!
US here, I’m fairly certain that our sentinels rifles are not chambered. I visited the tomb once and remember them cocking the rifle a few times throughout the ceremony and inspection during the changing of the guard. Although i do remember the guard who performed the inspection a pistol on his belt that I’m sure is loaded. Especially with all the crazies out there today and with how popular amongst crowds and sentimental this place is, terrorism or shootings and having a way to stop them is certainly a concern
Like you said I’m pretty sure their sidearm is loaded.
Running an M14's action is quite loud and makes quite the point of emphasis.
Also just realized that the question of loadout is definitely answered should these be M14s, because no magazine is present.
@@mfree80286 Yup. The racking of the bolt is a threat gesture. Most civilians are gun naive and wouldn't know the weapon is unloaded.
A reverent place for Americans - so many lost and known only to God. (PS: maybe a review of a Guard change would be nice?) They walk 21 steps - turn - count 21 - turn - return. Also, everything they do is in increments of 7 (gun salutes, steps, etc.) Honoring the Tomb and Unknown.
The detail about the rank always gets the eyes burnin' for me; the symbolism and respect wrapped up in that detail just gets me
"REMAIN STANDING FOR THIS CEREMONY!"
*Guy in wheelchair stands up*
Actually ... there are many Veterans in chairs that attempt to stand. Not because of the command, but in order to respect the Unknowns.
The Tomb of the unknown Warrior is in Westminster & pre dates the one in the US by a year. I'm not sure which was planned first but a British Chaplain suggested the idea during WW1.
I read that the Queen's guard do not routinely carry ammunition but if they is a potential threat they do load their weapons when on duty.
My old drill sgt is in this video at 2:49 wild
The Unkhown Soldier in Arlington was awarded the Victoria Cross by King George V in response to the award of the Medal of Honor awarded to the Unknown Warrior by the US President.
This year was the hundredth memorial anniversary of the tomb of the unknown. My dad was in the old guard unit in the 90s so going to the memorial was very important to him. They allowed civilians to place roses on the graves. You saw soldiers and veterans salute and civilians place hands over their hearts.
My dad says that there's 26 funerals a day at Arlington. When walking through the cemetery itself that day, it was more pacts than normal. So when Taps was played at a current funeral, it was chilling when all these veterans went still and saluted in the direction of the funeral. Civilians followed suit.
Actually up to 35 funerals a day.
As a American that just heard that y'all mentioned the "queen's guard rifle don't have bullets in them" us Americans will be like oh👀👀
I remember going there in 2017 and the amount of times the guard had to yell at the visitors was disgraceful. It was mainly foreigners who didn't understand to be quiet.
I've been there and seen the changing of the guard ceremony. A great experience
I have witnessed the changing of the guard. I feel in the world today standards are getting lower and lower if it's ok it's good enough. These warriors there is only one way. The right way. Much love mates
The knife hand appears! How you know've fucked up.
The Queens Guard (Now Kings Guard) normally only has bullets during high security. We Americans are always loaded.
in america, it's in arlington, virginia
The WW2 memorial on the mall is spectacular especially at night. It is quite sobering to walk through
Arlington Cemetery was established on the grounds of what had been Confederate General Robert E. Lee's plantation estate. The first soldier laid to rest there was Pvt. William Christman, 21, of the 67th Pennsylvania Infantry, who was buried in a plot on Arlington's northeast corner on May 13, 1864.
While Lee lived there, he never owned it.
@@tommyodonnell9 True. It belonged to his wife.
I recently watched a documentary all about the guards. They do have bullets and will use them.
The Story Of The Tomb Of The Unknown Soldier is a good video, I truly recommend that you guys give it a watch and react to it.
😁
If I remember right, the Queen's Guard don't have ammo in the rifle, but they _do_ have loaded magazine(s) on them.
I have been to this place. It is surreal and terrifying at the same time. I went for an East Coast trip in 8th grade.
I have a great (or a great great I'm unsure) uncle who is somewhere in France buried in one of their WW2 cemeteries, our family has lost track of where and none of us have ever been able to travel there to try and find him and maybe attempt to bring his remains home, instead members of my family would go to the Tomb of the Unknown to honor him.
You guys should react to the changing of the guard for the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier
7:45 iirc the queensguard do carry weapons loaded with live ammunition, and seeing as they are meant to guard the queen, they are authorized to use lethal force against anyone who poses a threat to the queen. I'm not sure if they ever had to, though.
The tomb of the unknown soldier represents all fallen soldiers in foreign wars. And my respect goes to every guard. If a forest fire sweeps the land of the tomb, the guard will not leave his post. If the blizzard of the century hits, the guard will not leave his post. If a nuclear bomb is headed pin point for the location. The guard will not leave his post. There's no higher respect to anyone in the military not even a 5 star General.
"Freedom Isn't Free". The Unknown Soldier and other war memorials around the free world are there to remind us of the price so many of our countrymen & women have paid for our freedom.
They take exactly 21 steps.
the tomb guards weapons are not loaded but the queen’s guards are from what i looked up
There’s also an unknown soldier from WWII & the Korean War at this same spot after 1953.
WWII and Korean War Unknowns have been in crypts, directly in front of the Tomb, since 1958.
I Know You Are Really Interested In The Tomb Of The Unknown Soldier So You Should Watch And React To The Video "The Mistake That Haunts This Guard Of The Tomb Of The Unknown Soldier" It Is Incredibly Emotional But Absolutely Positively 100% Worth Watching For Sure. It Is An Important Video And Really Shows The True Meaning Behind The Tomb Of The Unknown Soldier. I Grew Up In Maryland/Washington, D.C. From Birth To The Age Of 18 Years Old And Have Been To The Tomb Of The Uknown Soldier At Arlington National Cemetary In Virginia Multiple Times And I Have Seen The Changing Of The Guards And The Other Ceremonies Multiple Times!!!!!
Westminster Abbey has an unknown soldier tomb in the floor just inside the west entrance. I don't know about St. Paul's.
Have any of you see the video where the one guard drops the gun and the bayonet stabs the other guard on top of the foot, the guard doesn’t flinch then marches back and forth, every step you see blood oozing out the foot, after a few minutes they change the guard out
Watch the changing of the guard now it's super cool
If there is 1 thing Americans take seriously above all else, regardless of political leaning, is the reverence for our honored dead. E PLURIBUS UNUM.
These guards are all kids - I used to live across the street from Arlington Cemetery, where the Tomb is located, & saw the guards out jogging every morning. Kids, all of 'em under 25 years old. Very brave, very valiant, very deserving of respect. There are a couple of videos about the history of the Tomb that you blokes should find & watch.
Not all of them are kids. And quite a few are married with their own kids.
when you guys do finally make it to the US, if you can make it work for your schedule you should try and get to Kansas City to see the National World War I Museum, Liberty Memorial. It is the only national museum and memorial, that I am aware of, that isn't in D.C. and is well worth the trip for anyone interested in history.
The Royal guard in Denmark equivalent the queens guard, do have bullets in the guns.
Y’all need to watch the video of the story of how they chose the unknown soldier! They actually bought back 5 soldiers and ask a young sailor to choose. Then the other 4 soldiers went to other nation for Memorials.
No bodies except for the Unknowns themselves have returned to the US. If you are referring to the WWI Unknown Soldier, there were four candidates and Army Sergeant Younger chose the one that now rests in the Tomb. The choice was made in Châlons-sur-Marne, and the three not selected were buried in the Meuse Argonne Cemetery. The WWII Unknown was chosen by a Navy Corpman (MOH recipient Charette) from two candidates aboard the USS Canberra. The candidate not selected was buried at sea. Korean War Unknown was chosen (from among four) at the national cemetery referred to as the Punch Bowl by Army Master Sergeant Lyle. The three not selected are buried at the Punch Bowl.
I’ve been there, it is awe inspiring!!!!!
There is a video you should see bet it is very short.Check out tomb guard gets stabbed.Most don't know the video is even out there and it's painful to watch.Its a super short video but worth it.The best shot was posted by Jeez Globe
Some facts not mentioned. The 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment traditionally known as "The Old Guard," is the oldest active-duty infantry unit in the US Army,1784. The Tomb Guards on duty do carry ammunition and have qualified Expert with the M-14 rifle. Arlington National Cemetery was confederate gen. Robert E Lee's Plantation 'Arlington'. The first burial a Union Soldier in Lee's rose garden during our civil war. The US WW1 unknown Soldier was Awarded the Victoria Cross. The WW1 Unknown Warrior of the UK in Westminster Abby, was Awarded The Medal of Honor.
Lee lived there but never owned it.
@@tommyodonnell9 The supreme court thought he did, The treasury paid Lee $150,000 for Arlington in 1883
@@n3zyd No, it didn't say Lee owned it. And Lee had been dead many years when the case was in the courts.
The Tomb Guards DO NOT carry ammo on them. There MAY be ammo in their guard shack off to the side, but it is not immediately on their person. Further, their rifles are unloaded at all times during their shift. Tomb Guards do not qualify with the M14 as that is not their standard infantry load-out when not conducting ceremonial duties. They qualify with M4s just like everyone else.
@@tommyodonnell9 correct. Lee's wife owned it. The case was for Lee's children disputing that they lost their inheritance.
The highest honor in the US military is to be selected to serve at Arlington. And that’s any branch! The US Army is in charge, but it is all branches. YOU MUST BE 100% at all times! Army Guards the Tomb! There are Navy, Marines, Air Force, Coast Guard, etc. Honor Guard and body bearers. The Army bears the body on a caisson, but the Marines are burying a Marine, it will be a Marine Platoon marching with the body.
Good video fellas. Those guards are bamf. I'd love to learn about UK ceremony guards and stuff. Anything similar?
Pretty sure the Queen's guard has live rounds. I could very well be wrong.
Even though I am an American, I would think the Queens guards would most definitely have bullets in their guns as it is their job to guard the palace, royals, and staff.
The guards are carrying an M14 carbine, "30-06". With a 6 round clip. And yes they are loaded. American military will not wear a head cover in doors, if they are not armed. If an American soldier is wearing a head cover indoors or guarding anything, They will be armed and loaded.
1. The M14 is not a "carbine" but a full sized rifle.
2. It's caliber is 7.62x51mm NATO or .308. It is not .30-06. The older M1 Garand was a .30-06 rifle.
3. The M14 is normally loaded with 20rd magazines, although there are commercially available ones with small capacity. Again, the older M1 had an 8rd capacity.
4. Their rifles ARE NOT loaded at any time during their guard shift. If you watch the changing of the guard ceremony, the rifle is cleared several times: at least twice during the inspection and once when the guard is relieved by the next shift. At no time is a magazine ever inserted into the magazine well. Guards don't even carry a magazine on them.
You guys should really watch a changing of the guard’s ceremony
I looked into serving in the U. S. Air Force Honor Guard when I was in the service during the 1980's. However, being only 5 foot 9 inches tall, I failed to meet the minimum 5 foot 10 inch height requirement. I was surprised to see some shorter personnel in this video. Have times changed?
As far as I know it is still 5’10 for men and 5’6 for women. The shorter ones may have been waivered
Speaking of British Supermarkets, please react to Andrew Santino "Areyoualright".
We were there and saw people talking and I saw the soldier get onto them...hell no....don't F with the soldier in charge.
I won an essay contest in 6th grade to lay the wreath at the Tomb of The Unknown Soldier. It was very solemn and serious. The guards are so tall, I think they must be 6ft plus to even be allowed to guard for the men and 5'10 or so for women.
Daz: "when I went to Washington DC "
Me: where have you not been to Daz?
You should do a reaction to the story of the tomb.
8:16 the queens guards don’t have Loaded weapons however there are many armed cops and a emergency response team near by the guards can hit or stabbed you if you are a treat or continue to harass them after ~2 verbal warnings then the bayonet pointed at you however the police normally will arrest the troublemaker before it gets to that point. The gun may not be loaded but a bayonet doesn’t need ammo and they are still soldiers and can fight like them.
I guarantee that the Queens guard have bullets in their weapons, i know and im from Norway :D
No hate i just had to say it, i love this channel and your reaction :D
Please watch the changing of the guard video . It’s Awesome
They don't fuck around... been there
I hope all the people that broke the rules were foreign tourists with no understanding. but if you're American and do this than seriously consider if you even deserve to be on this planet.