I spent 23 years in the US Army and back in the 1970s I was the Testing NCO for The Old Guard at Fort Myer. I can tell you that these young men and women are as impressive as you'd expect. It's just now 2300 hrs (11:00PM) and I'm sitting in my condo in Arlington, VA, about 250 meters from the Tomb. It's a mild summer evening with a low cloud cover and I've got the windows open (rare in a Virginia summer) so I can distantly but clearly hear the evening playing of "Taps" from Fort Myer and the chimes marking the hour at the Memorial Amphitheater/Tomb. I frequently walk over to the Ceremony but I feel most connected on an evening like this, listening to the sounds of respect, and knowing that the Sentinel is on duty as he/she has been continuously since 1948. All soldiers are my "Family" and, though sad to say I occasionally haven't been as proud of my Country as I'd like, I will always respect and love the Army and those who serve. Even many years after retiring, Army Ceremonial events never fail to bring a tear to my aging eyes, and tonight's convergence of those thoughts and this video with your kind comments have me especially moved. Hooah, Old Guard!
The Sgt. is the master of the ceremony, he's giving instructions and over seeing the ritual/drill is all. He can show rank because he's not guarding the unknown soldier. As for the actual guards, as you remember they don't show rank out of respect for the fallen soldier because they don't know his rank therefore, out of respect, they don't want to outrank him.
Thank you for explaining. I knew the guards never showed rank so as to never accidentally outrank the soldiers in the tomb, but I couldn’t understand why the sergeant had his chevrons. I appreciate the knowledge!
I will never forget the only sounds that day I went of the birds, the clicking of their heels, and weapons being inspected. Extremely humbling and awe inspiring. I have such great love for my Country, Constitution, and the Men that died for both in order to protect and guarantee my Freedom. ❤❤❤
I tell people this all the time and I don't think they appreciate it. It's different when you are actually there watching it. No video really captures the depth of the ceremony.
By you being a Scot and thanking an American solider for there service, you have just impressed the hell out of me. May I extend that same thank to you !!!!!
A couple other facts that you might not be aware of. 1. When the guard is walking, they always keep the rifle between themselves and the crowd and away from the unknowns. 2. They walk 21 steps, turn and pause for 21 seconds, then walk 21 steps again. They also give a 21 gun salute to the fallen. The reason 21 is so significant is because if you add up the numbers in 1776 (1+7+7+6) you get 21.
No, 21 is significant because the 21-gun salute, a tradition which we carried over from our days in the British Empire, is the highest military honor. 1+7+7+6 being 21 is just a funny little coincidence.
I came to say the say the same about the 21 steps and 21 second pause at the turn. The entire guarding is filled with often overlooked honor and symbolism.
@@danielfronc4304 They are agreeing that the sentinals take 21 steps and pause for 21 seconds before marching back in the other direction. The "disagreement" comes from the origin of the reason for the number 21.
I think its more important to talk about the commitment those young men make to be a guard at that place it is soo much more than what is expected in the regular military it required to commit to.
One time, during the rifle inspection, the rifle slipped with the bayonet down. It went through the guards foot, was pulled out and they carried on as nothing was happening. You can actually see the guard marching afterwards with blood coming from his foot. Amazing discipline.
The guards have a piece of metal on their shoes. When a veteran is there, the only way to acknowledge them and show their respect is by scraping their shoe on the ground to make a sound. My uncle is a member of the Honor Flight group, which escorts veterans from all across the country to Arlington to visit the tomb. Videos he has with the guards scraping as they walk past the veterans are amazing.
The sentinels don’t show rank. Just the Sgt, who does not “walk the mat”. I’m aware of one instance there was a mishap with a bayonet that went through the sentinels shoe and directly into his foot. That sentinel finished his shift before acknowledging he had wounded himself.
Cory, that's not true, the Sentinal was about to take the watch when the Sergeant dropped his rifle. The Sentinel gave a fleeting wince. The Sergeant then ordered him to fall out. That man then walked back in to quarters and a replacement Sentinel was posted.
Anyone, including the Sergeant of the Guard (an E-7) can and do walk the mat. Any Badge holder, regardless of rank, can change the guard and host wreaths.
This is a beautiful ceremony, I graduated with a man who guarded the tomb. This is a life time honor but only a 4 year post. Very difficult process in being able have this honor. My nephew was part of this honor also but he did the funeral duties in Arlington, sometimes doing 3-4 funerals each day in wool dress uniforms same meticulous ceremony. If you get a chance to view “The Rolling Thunder” this is about motorcyclist paying tribute to our fallen as a retired Army soldier stands at attention all day in the middle of the road as the cyclist pass some stopping and saluting. This is done in Washington DC thousands upon thousands of motorcycles, riders from all walks of life come from everywhere to pay tribute. Very emotional.
@@tommyodonnell9 I guess I was not clear my nephew did do a 4 year post as part of The Old Guard and he was only involved in the funeral processions in the firing of the 21 gun salute. I had a friend who walked the tomb before moving to his next post and being killed by flying shrapnel from the helicopter he was working on, What I meant about the life long honor was that only certain infractions outside of your military career can cause you to loose this achievement.
My father - a 21 year Air Force veteran with 3 tours in Vietnam - was buried in Arlington. I'll never forget the soldiers on funeral duty who handed me the flag. I will forever be grateful for them.
You probably saw the odd stride that the Sentinels adopt when walking the mat; transferring their weight to the outsides of their feet when striding. This is to ensure that they don't bounce up and down while walking. If you watch their caps, you'll notice that they describe a straight line that never bounces up and down.
Arlington was the home of Confederate Gen. Rob't. E. Lee. He was disposessed of it and it became the honored resting place of fallen Americans. My knowledge is cursory at best. Amplification is invited. Edit: The Greeks do a rather flamboyant job of changing the guard at their tomb of the unknowns. Thanks for this video on our traditional Memorial Day. It is well that we remember that this holiday is to honor the fallen. God rest their brave souls.
The reason we use Arlington as our national cemetery is because after Lee left the US Army to lead the Army of Virginia at the start of the Civil War, President Lincoln vowed to bury the bodies of those heros that died on Lees front lawn.
@@crash406 Lee's wife was a Washington (George Washington's wife had a son from a prier marriage that he adopted. Lee's wife was a descended of that son).
I’ve been to the tomb a couple of times. Always awe inspiring. The guards or sentinels do not show rank but the master of the ceremony does. My son went with his grade school class and was chosen to set a wreath there. I wasn’t able to go so some friends took pictures for me. He looked like a little soldier and I was proud of him. Thank you for watching this. God bless our soldiers. I subscribed.
It’s one thing to see it on a video but another to see it in person. If you ever get the opportunity while you’re in the states, go check it out. Arlington has this air about it, especially at the tomb. It honestly feels like hallowed ground. Can’t quite explain it, but when you’re walk in, something just feels different.
My grandfather was a guard at the tomb of the unknown soldier shortly after WWII. He once took us to watch the changing of the guard then on a tour of the living quarters.
I'm 46 yrs old and I have had the honor of watching this twice in person. It's absolutely amazing! AllI the people that are standing around and it's so silent with respect! I live in Pennsylvania so I'm not far from Washington DC at all. I hope to go back again soon.
This the Changing of The Guard every hour when the bell tolls. The Honor Guard will inspect them to make they are perfect to walk. Most people wait for this ceremony.
The Changing of the Guard. The military guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is changed in an elaborate ceremony which happens every hour on the hour from October 1 through March 31, and every half hour from April 1 through September 30.
All that rifle drilling was actually him inspecting the rifle. To make sure it is pristine and in good working order. He then inspects the Guard to make sure his uniform is in pristine order and he is presentable as well. Then and only then will he be able to guard the tomb. I've seen vids were the guard didn't pass inspection and he had to go back and fi whatever the problem was.
I think there is a video of one of the sentinels not passing inspection. Someone in the comments said it was because the braid was missing from his shoulder. However, the inspection was totally completed before he was turned away.
This is one of the most beautiful thing's you will ever see. Put it on your bucket list. These men are amazing. The mental stability you have to have to do this is amzing
@@tommyodonnell9 I knew they did. I was all into that video. That is so emotional, every time i see it i cry. So i wasn't forgetting them intentionally
They don't wear rank while on sentinel duty, not because everyone is equal on parade, but because the sentinel walking the mat cannot possibly out rank the soldiers in the tomb. Not knowing who they were,, their rank is also unknown. The inspecting Sargeant is not a sentinel and is not walking the mat. Therefore he can wear rank insignia
The soldier wearing rank IS a Sentinel...he's just not walking the mat at that particuilar moment...he may have done so earlier or on a later shift, however.
It's hard to understand the scope of Arlington until you actually go there. Its worth the visit. To see the tomb of the unknown and the cemetery itself.
I’ve been there in the summer. Once, there was a short rain shower before we disembarked the tour bus. Then the sun came out and all that moisture and heat in the air just hit me like a wall. I have so much admiration for these soldiers.
I know a guy who used to be one of these guards. It is a sight to behold. How they wear wool suits in 95 degree weather and not be dripping sweat I do not know.
A clarification: The reason the soldiers don’t display rank is bc the rank of the unknown soldier is also not known....the soldiers who guard the monument don’t want to risk outranking the unknown soldier, and this is why no rank insignia is used on the uniforms.
Got to witness this in person on a high school trip years ago. Even at the age of fifteen, I was so deeply moved and humbled by the experience. I am so incredibly grateful to all the soldiers who have served and sacrificed so that I can live free in this country that I love so much. May God ever bless America! ❤️🇺🇸
I actually had the pleasure of watching this in person when I was in high school. It’s Amazing! There is pure silence and it is a very emotional and Patriotic experience that I hope everyone can see at least once in their lives.
First off, thank you for posting this on our (U.S.) Memorial Day. I made sure to let all of the ads run and didn't skip them as a monetary thank you to you. Now, the way they march is ceremonial. We do swing our arms during normal marching although not to the degree the British army does. The shoes they wear have a special addition to make that loud click. Normal footgear in the military does not have that nor do we click our heels during normal facing movements. You'll notice that the Sergeant does not do a proper "about face" manuever. That is because those special shoes interfere with proper placement of the foot prior to the 180 degree pivot.
@@docbearmb Glad that I could help. I have been to Arlington Cemetery several times over the years and try to make the changing of the guard part of every visit.
@@docbearmb JFK and the Challenger Astronauts, Audie Murphy's grave, Arlington House, President and later Chief Justice William Taft, as well as others are all buried there. Paderewski, the head of Poland's Parliament-in-Exile was allowed to "lay-in-state" in the Battleship Maine Memorial at the Cemetery with the promise that he'd be returned to Poland when it was free from Communism. That return took place in 1992. Here is a link to the Cemetery's website: www.arlingtoncemetery.mil/Explore/Notable-Graves
Correct. *All* of the ceremonial units in DC do things differently than their respective services, the one unifying factor that I've observed is the placement of the feet parallel to one another, they all do it irrespective of branch...it's clean (there *is* one group that doesn't, also a part of the 3rd Regiment, the Revolutionary Color Guard, they actually keep their feet parallel but 6" apart, I have no idea if this is derived from 1776 but assume so. I was a Warrant Officer but before that participated in marching activities that required specific style and technique. When I took Army basic training it was kind've funny and our grasp of drilling, as a group, was pretty dismal. As I progressed in training it became a bit better...but Army is Army. USMC pays particular attention to how they move with alot of detail work. Navy not so much. But the DC ceremonial groups as a whole are wonderful to watch. Always appreciated.
they don't wear a rank to honor the unknown solider since we don't know what his rank was and they don't want to put rank him they want to be equal. The height of the the changing pf thgaurd is the same too. they have a certain and OCD way of how they do that.
I really appreciate how when they salute the tomb you straighten right up in respect. There is a video about the history of the tomb that is really good.
It was back in the 80’s when I saw the Changing of the Guard. I couldn’t even imagine making a sound through the ceremony or anything unruly. You could hear a pin drop during it and, no one sat down before the Change. Everyone stood except wheelchairs.
The Sentinels who actually guard the Tomb don't wear rank. The Sergeant of the Guard does, and he or she does not actually guard the Tomb. The precede over the Changing of the Guard.
I got the privileged to take my grandfather (Korean War Vet) on what was called the honor flight which takes local Iowa veterans to Washington DC to see the memorials and the Tomb of the unknown soldier! I was so lucky to be able to see this in person and accompany my grandfather before he passed away in 2018 on July 4th from Alzheimers and Parkinsons disease.
They click their heels as a sign of respect towards the Soldiers who started this tradition, who were originally Calvary 'horse Soldiers' who wore spurs.
It was reminiscent to me of Buckingham Palace’s changing of the guard that we witnessed while visiting London; even though I have been to Arlington I missed the guard change. They are both the epitome of discipline and decorum.🇺🇸🇬🇧
The Sentinels' shoes are low quarter oxfords, modified with "cheater plates" on the sole. The British army would use the famous "ammo boots", ankle boots with thick soles and hobnails. The oxfords make it possible for the guards to walk with a smooth, solemn gait, which would be difficult with ankle boots.
I believe that those sunglasses are custom fitted to each guard. This is due to the potential eye damage from the sun reflecting off of all that white marble.
Their D&C (Drill & Ceremony) the way they march, halt, and do facing movements is very specific for Sentinels and not what the average soldier does even during ceremonies. Basic D&C has less flare, the facing movements are done with more of a pivoting of the toes and heels, and halting is a matter of simply ending your step with your feet together.
There is nothing like being there to witness the changing of the guard..nothing! The training these soldiers have to go through to be allowed to be part of this honor is intensive. Weather does not matter, this ritual goes on regardless. Most impressive.
Now that the US Army is changing their dress uniforms from the dress blues back to the WW2 era dress greens, I'm interested to see if the tomb guards do the same as the rest of the army or continue using the dress blues. Great video as always Don!
It should be noted that the drill movements they use are specialised for this purpose. Line troops don't move like that in normal drill. The steps, facing movements, etc, are all stylised and exist outside of normal movements. Normal drill & ceremonial movements, when done properly, are much simpler, but really cool to watch. When they're done at this level, it really makes for a powerful experience to watch.
You are correct on the rank insignia. He is the SGT in charge of the guards. He's not the guard. The guard who's rank is not displayed to never outrank the unknown soldier
The reason for 21 guns is indeed a coincidence with the numbers in 1776. The accepted number of a firing salute on naval ships in early time was a 7 shot series, as reloading so many times was not only time consuming but also depleted the ships supplies of ammunition for the large guns. Ammunition being more accessible on land the salute of 7 shots was done by 3 guns simultaneously. Hence 21 shots. Most modern 21 gun salutes are 7 guns firing 3 times each. 21 shots is supposedly reserved for presidents, visiting heads of state and highest ranked military officials, with fewer shots fired for others depending on branch and rank. To show the stoicism of these guards of honor, there is a vid on YT that shows a bit of one of these changing ceremonies where the officer doing the inspection loses his grip while doing the spin of the rifle. He catches the butt of the gun before it hits the ground, but not until after the bayonet pierces the boot of the guard being inspected. He flinches ever so slightly but remains silent. A bit later they show a closeup of his feet while walking his post and blood can be seen from the hole on top of his foot. He walked his entire shift! I would love to see you react to a couple of Trace Adkins songs for the military. One is called Arlington and the other is from a live award show with Trace performing with The West Point Glee Club a song called "Til the last shot's fired". Here are those links. ruclips.net/video/rJO7lJIxG10/видео.html ruclips.net/video/GSEauSGFK74/видео.html Enjoy!!
In the American military, the two hardest positions any service member could ever achieve is as follows. 1. Astronaut 2. Tomb guard for the unknown soldier. It is easier to become special forces, snipers, and pathfinders then it is to get those positions. The section of the army that does this is the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment, they are mostly called "The Old Guard" and are tasked to protect the tomb so no one can disturb their final rest.
I would love to see your reaction to the beginning speech of General George S Patton in the movie "Patton ", where he is addressing the troops and he is standing in front of a huge American flag.
I spent 23 years in the US Army and back in the 1970s I was the Testing NCO for The Old Guard at Fort Myer. I can tell you that these young men and women are as impressive as you'd expect. It's just now 2300 hrs (11:00PM) and I'm sitting in my condo in Arlington, VA, about 250 meters from the Tomb. It's a mild summer evening with a low cloud cover and I've got the windows open (rare in a Virginia summer) so I can distantly but clearly hear the evening playing of "Taps" from Fort Myer and the chimes marking the hour at the Memorial Amphitheater/Tomb. I frequently walk over to the Ceremony but I feel most connected on an evening like this, listening to the sounds of respect, and knowing that the Sentinel is on duty as he/she has been continuously since 1948. All soldiers are my "Family" and, though sad to say I occasionally haven't been as proud of my Country as I'd like, I will always respect and love the Army and those who serve. Even many years after retiring, Army Ceremonial events never fail to bring a tear to my aging eyes, and tonight's convergence of those thoughts and this video with your kind comments have me especially moved. Hooah, Old Guard!
Hooah sir
The Sgt. is the master of the ceremony, he's giving instructions and over seeing the ritual/drill is all. He can show rank because he's not guarding the unknown soldier. As for the actual guards, as you remember they don't show rank out of respect for the fallen soldier because they don't know his rank therefore, out of respect, they don't want to outrank him.
I was about to type virtually the same. ;) Well done.
I did type virtually the same thing then I saw you had already forwarded the info.
@Sons of Thunder thank you for specifying this.. I was just going to post the same. #WW2ArmyAirCorpsMPsDaughter
Thank you for explaining. I knew the guards never showed rank so as to never accidentally outrank the soldiers in the tomb, but I couldn’t understand why the sergeant had his chevrons. I appreciate the knowledge!
Thank you for the information!
Canadian watching a Scottish watching American military videos. Love it.
Lol!
Me as well lol, from B.C, Canada
American Reacting to a Scottish guy reacting to changing of the guard And Scottish guy reacting to his comments
Irish American here!
Beautiful! I love it too!!! 👍🏽💯🥰
The stringent conditions for the Guard are a lifetime commitment. Thank you for honoring our Military and for YOUR Service.
They are always out there, even in freezing winter storms!
Also notice the rifle is always on the shoulder away from the tomb. The sentinel is the last line of defense of the tomb, not the rifle.
I will never forget the only sounds that day I went of the birds, the clicking of their heels, and weapons being inspected. Extremely humbling and awe inspiring. I have such great love for my Country, Constitution, and the Men that died for both in order to protect and guarantee my Freedom. ❤❤❤
I tell people this all the time and I don't think they appreciate it. It's different when you are actually there watching it. No video really captures the depth of the ceremony.
I do too and as an Retired Army Soldier I love my country and wouldn’t change my Army career for anything💜
By you being a Scot and thanking an American solider for there service, you have just impressed the hell out of me. May I extend that same thank to you !!!!!
Being there in person is extremely emotional. The military precision, honor and respect is incredible.
A couple other facts that you might not be aware of. 1. When the guard is walking, they always keep the rifle between themselves and the crowd and away from the unknowns. 2. They walk 21 steps, turn and pause for 21 seconds, then walk 21 steps again. They also give a 21 gun salute to the fallen. The reason 21 is so significant is because if you add up the numbers in 1776 (1+7+7+6) you get 21.
No, 21 is significant because the 21-gun salute, a tradition which we carried over from our days in the British Empire, is the highest military honor. 1+7+7+6 being 21 is just a funny little coincidence.
I came to say the say the same about the 21 steps and 21 second pause at the turn. The entire guarding is filled with often overlooked honor and symbolism.
@@Anastas1786 I don't get it. Aren't you two saying the same thing about the 21 steps, etc.?
@@danielfronc4304 They are agreeing that the sentinals take 21 steps and pause for 21 seconds before marching back in the other direction. The "disagreement" comes from the origin of the reason for the number 21.
I think its more important to talk about the commitment those young men make to be a guard at that place it is soo much more than what is expected in the regular military it required to commit to.
He isn't saluting a memorial, he's saluting the soldiers entombed in it
Brings tears to this military veterans eyes whenever I watch these types of videos, thank you!!!
One time, during the rifle inspection, the rifle slipped with the bayonet down. It went through the guards foot, was pulled out and they carried on as nothing was happening. You can actually see the guard marching afterwards with blood coming from his foot. Amazing discipline.
Woah
The guards have a piece of metal on their shoes. When a veteran is there, the only way to acknowledge them and show their respect is by scraping their shoe on the ground to make a sound. My uncle is a member of the Honor Flight group, which escorts veterans from all across the country to Arlington to visit the tomb. Videos he has with the guards scraping as they walk past the veterans are amazing.
The sentinels don’t show rank. Just the Sgt, who does not “walk the mat”. I’m aware of one instance there was a mishap with a bayonet that went through the sentinels shoe and directly into his foot. That sentinel finished his shift before acknowledging he had wounded himself.
Cory, that's not true, the Sentinal was about to take the watch when the Sergeant dropped his rifle. The Sentinel gave a fleeting wince. The Sergeant then ordered him to fall out. That man then walked back in to quarters and a replacement Sentinel was posted.
Anyone, including the Sergeant of the Guard (an E-7) can and do walk the mat. Any Badge holder, regardless of rank, can change the guard and host wreaths.
I love the way when the sergeant inspects your weapon you don't give it to him, he TAKES it from you, and you TAKE it back when he is done.
A soldiers honor to guard the tomb is not only a duty but a privilege.
This is a beautiful ceremony, I graduated with a man who guarded the tomb. This is a life time honor but only a 4 year post. Very difficult process in being able have this honor. My nephew was part of this honor also but he did the funeral duties in Arlington, sometimes doing 3-4 funerals each day in wool dress uniforms same meticulous ceremony. If you get a chance to view “The Rolling Thunder” this is about motorcyclist paying tribute to our fallen as a retired Army soldier stands at attention all day in the middle of the road as the cyclist pass some stopping and saluting. This is done in Washington DC thousands upon thousands of motorcycles, riders from all walks of life come from everywhere to pay tribute. Very emotional.
Not a four year post, average length is 18-24 months. You don't do funerals while at the Tomb.
@@tommyodonnell9 I guess I was not clear my nephew did do a 4 year post as part of The Old Guard and he was only involved in the funeral processions in the firing of the 21 gun salute. I had a friend who walked the tomb before moving to his next post and being killed by flying shrapnel from the helicopter he was working on, What I meant about the life long honor was that only certain infractions outside of your military career can cause you to loose this achievement.
My father - a 21 year Air Force veteran with 3 tours in Vietnam - was buried in Arlington. I'll never forget the soldiers on funeral duty who handed me the flag. I will forever be grateful for them.
Thanks for taking your time to watch this brother. We love Scotland over here in the States, stay safe 🇺🇸🏴
Thank you very much
You probably saw the odd stride that the Sentinels adopt when walking the mat; transferring their weight to the outsides of their feet when striding. This is to ensure that they don't bounce up and down while walking. If you watch their caps, you'll notice that they describe a straight line that never bounces up and down.
Thank you for your service and also I would like to say thank you for showing so much respect for the American soldier
Everyone should see it in person
A small bit of trivia. The rifle is always on the shoulder between the crowd and memorial; i.e. to guard the fallen from the public.
Arlington was the home of Confederate Gen. Rob't. E. Lee. He was disposessed of it and it became the honored resting place of fallen Americans. My knowledge is cursory at best. Amplification is invited. Edit: The Greeks do a rather flamboyant job of changing the guard at their tomb of the unknowns. Thanks for this video on our traditional Memorial Day. It is well that we remember that this holiday is to honor the fallen. God rest their brave souls.
The reason we use Arlington as our national cemetery is because after Lee left the US Army to lead the Army of Virginia at the start of the Civil War, President Lincoln vowed to bury the bodies of those heros that died on Lees front lawn.
Arlington was originally Lee's wife's plantation.
@@crash406 Lee's wife was a Washington (George Washington's wife had a son from a prier marriage that he adopted. Lee's wife was a descended of that son).
Arlington was made a national cemetery to keep General Lee or any of his descendants from ever living there again.
Part of the sgt's duty is be sure not a speck of dust disrespects the fallen.
I’ve been to the tomb a couple of times. Always awe inspiring. The guards or sentinels do not show rank but the master of the ceremony does. My son went with his grade school class and was chosen to set a wreath there. I wasn’t able to go so some friends took pictures for me. He looked like a little soldier and I was proud of him. Thank you for watching this. God bless our soldiers. I subscribed.
It’s one thing to see it on a video but another to see it in person. If you ever get the opportunity while you’re in the states, go check it out. Arlington has this air about it, especially at the tomb. It honestly feels like hallowed ground. Can’t quite explain it, but when you’re walk in, something just feels different.
My brother in law was a Guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier
My grandfather was a guard at the tomb of the unknown soldier shortly after WWII. He once took us to watch the changing of the guard then on a tour of the living quarters.
I'm 46 yrs old and I have had the honor of watching this twice in person. It's absolutely amazing! AllI the people that are standing around and it's so silent with respect! I live in Pennsylvania so I'm not far from Washington DC at all. I hope to go back again soon.
This the Changing of The Guard every hour when the bell tolls. The Honor Guard will inspect them to make they are perfect to walk.
Most people wait for this ceremony.
The Changing of the Guard. The military guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is changed in an elaborate ceremony which happens every hour on the hour from October 1 through March 31, and every half hour from April 1 through September 30.
Thank you for your respect for our traditions. As a fellow veteran, even though I am American and you are Scottish, I am honored to call you brother.
All that rifle drilling was actually him inspecting the rifle. To make sure it is pristine and in good working order. He then inspects the Guard to make sure his uniform is in pristine order and he is presentable as well. Then and only then will he be able to guard the tomb. I've seen vids were the guard didn't pass inspection and he had to go back and fi whatever the problem was.
I think there is a video of one of the sentinels not passing inspection. Someone in the comments said it was because the braid was missing from his shoulder. However, the inspection was totally completed before he was turned away.
@@redhatpat9387 Buff strap was missing. You complete the inspection to ensure there are no other corrections necessary.
He is representing every soldier who has died in any of our wars! And they do this to this day! They earn respect, and they have mine!
This is one of the most beautiful thing's you will ever see. Put it on your bucket list. These men are amazing. The mental stability you have to have to do this is amzing
Memorizing 35 pages would do me in right there.
Men and women.
@@tommyodonnell9 YES and women. No disrespect
@@rhondagreene6578 You would be surprised how many are shocked that there are female guards.
@@tommyodonnell9 I knew they did. I was all into that video. That is so emotional, every time i see it i cry. So i wasn't forgetting them intentionally
Ultimate Respect!
Great timing for our US Memorial Day weekend. Thank you!
They don't wear rank while on sentinel duty, not because everyone is equal on parade, but because the sentinel walking the mat cannot possibly out rank the soldiers in the tomb. Not knowing who they were,, their rank is also unknown. The inspecting Sargeant is not a sentinel and is not walking the mat. Therefore he can wear rank insignia
The soldier wearing rank IS a Sentinel...he's just not walking the mat at that particuilar moment...he may have done so earlier or on a later shift, however.
It's hard to understand the scope of Arlington until you actually go there. Its worth the visit. To see the tomb of the unknown and the cemetery itself.
The Tomb badge can be revoked at anytime for failing to honor the soldiers buried at the tomb.
The only US Army badge that is more difficult to earn than the Sentinel Badge is the US Army Astronaut Badge...
now that there is a space force, i wonder if that badge will be ever awarded...
The military horsemans badge is as rare as the astromaut or tomb badge.
@@JohnSmith-co7qt Not really. It's been awarded 10 times. The Army Astronaut Badge has yet to be awarded once...
I’ve been there in the summer. Once, there was a short rain shower before we disembarked the tour bus. Then the sun came out and all that moisture and heat in the air just hit me like a wall. I have so much admiration for these soldiers.
I know a guy who used to be one of these guards. It is a sight to behold. How they wear wool suits in 95 degree weather and not be dripping sweat I do not know.
They take exactly twenty one steps.
21 steps, 21 second pause, 21 steps, etc. to signify the 21 gun salute at a military funeral. The fallen rank the same as the head of state.
A clarification: The reason the soldiers don’t display rank is bc the rank of the unknown soldier is also not known....the soldiers who guard the monument don’t want to risk outranking the unknown soldier, and this is why no rank insignia is used on the uniforms.
This was just Amazing to see..
Glad I saw this..
They may be Gone but Never Forgotten...
Arlington National Cemetery is run by the army, and our embassies are secured by marines.
The sentinel on duty doesn’t display his rank so that they never outrank the unknown soldiers
Got to witness this in person on a high school trip years ago. Even at the age of fifteen, I was so deeply moved and humbled by the experience. I am so incredibly grateful to all the soldiers who have served and sacrificed so that I can live free in this country that I love so much. May God ever bless America! ❤️🇺🇸
The path they walk is exactly 21 paces so every time they walk the shoes click out a 21 gun salute
I actually had the pleasure of watching this in person when I was in high school. It’s Amazing! There is pure silence and it is a very emotional and Patriotic experience that I hope everyone can see at least once in their lives.
First off, thank you for posting this on our (U.S.) Memorial Day. I made sure to let all of the ads run and didn't skip them as a monetary thank you to you.
Now, the way they march is ceremonial. We do swing our arms during normal marching although not to the degree the British army does.
The shoes they wear have a special addition to make that loud click. Normal footgear in the military does not have that nor do we click our heels during normal facing movements.
You'll notice that the Sergeant does not do a proper "about face" manuever. That is because those special shoes interfere with proper placement of the foot prior to the 180 degree pivot.
Thanks for the insight. I had been wondering about the altered about face.
@@docbearmb Glad that I could help.
I have been to Arlington Cemetery several times over the years and try to make the changing of the guard part of every visit.
@@pauld6967 Was there only once; about 5 years ago for my uncle’s burial (career Air Force). Missed the tomb; but it’s on my bucket list.
@@docbearmb JFK and the Challenger Astronauts, Audie Murphy's grave, Arlington House, President and later Chief Justice William Taft, as well as others are all buried there.
Paderewski, the head of Poland's Parliament-in-Exile was allowed to "lay-in-state" in the Battleship Maine Memorial at the Cemetery with the promise that he'd be returned to Poland when it was free from Communism. That return took place in 1992.
Here is a link to the Cemetery's website: www.arlingtoncemetery.mil/Explore/Notable-Graves
Correct. *All* of the ceremonial units in DC do things differently than their respective services, the one unifying factor that I've observed is the placement of the feet parallel to one another, they all do it irrespective of branch...it's clean (there *is* one group that doesn't, also a part of the 3rd Regiment, the Revolutionary Color Guard, they actually keep their feet parallel but 6" apart, I have no idea if this is derived from 1776 but assume so. I was a Warrant Officer but before that participated in marching activities that required specific style and technique. When I took Army basic training it was kind've funny and our grasp of drilling, as a group, was pretty dismal. As I progressed in training it became a bit better...but Army is Army. USMC pays particular attention to how they move with alot of detail work. Navy not so much. But the DC ceremonial groups as a whole are wonderful to watch. Always appreciated.
Anything Arlington is always amazing!
they don't wear a rank to honor the unknown solider since we don't know what his rank was and they don't want to put rank him they want to be equal. The height of the the changing pf thgaurd is the same too. they have a certain and OCD way of how they do that.
Thank you for your respect 💖💖💖💖 I cried when I walked through Arlington, it's one of the saddest places on earth 💖💖💖💖
I really appreciate how when they salute the tomb you straighten right up in respect. There is a video about the history of the tomb that is really good.
It was back in the 80’s when I saw the Changing of the Guard. I couldn’t even imagine making a sound through the ceremony or anything unruly. You could hear a pin drop during it and, no one sat down before the Change. Everyone stood except wheelchairs.
Voices beyond the tomb is another very informative video.
The Sentinels do not wear any rank insignia ,which ensures that the guard is junior in rank to whoever is buried in the tomb..
Makes me cry every time I watch this😞🇺🇸Love this ceremony so much. So much appreciation for our Military ❤️
And this happens 24/7, 365 days a year. This tomb is always guarded, regardless of weather.
The Sentinels who actually guard the Tomb don't wear rank. The Sergeant of the Guard does, and he or she does not actually guard the Tomb. The precede over the Changing of the Guard.
So when it comes to the status of ranking it’s the guards themselves whoever is guarding the unknown soldier still does not show ranking
The Sentinel takes 21 steps each way and each pause is 21 seconds long, both give a nod to the 21 gun salute.
Head to toe, they must be flawless. Buttons and boots polished, no lint, nothing out of place or crooked.
The step is called Corps Step. there are 8 steps to 5 yards so there will be 13 yards. 21 steps..
Thanyou awesome and respective reaction. Best from Ohio USA 🇺🇸
With unmatched honor and piety, salute the United States soldier👍👍🌹
I got the privileged to take my grandfather (Korean War Vet) on what was called the honor flight which takes local Iowa veterans to Washington DC to see the memorials and the Tomb of the unknown soldier! I was so lucky to be able to see this in person and accompany my grandfather before he passed away in 2018 on July 4th from Alzheimers and Parkinsons disease.
They do this every day no matter the weather.
They click their heels as a sign of respect towards the Soldiers who started this tradition, who were originally Calvary 'horse Soldiers' who wore spurs.
It was reminiscent to me of Buckingham Palace’s changing of the guard that we witnessed while visiting London; even though I have been to Arlington I missed the guard change. They are both the epitome of discipline and decorum.🇺🇸🇬🇧
The Silent Drill Platoon is crazy good to watch! They are incredible!
The Sentinels' shoes are low quarter oxfords, modified with "cheater plates" on the sole. The British army would use the famous "ammo boots", ankle boots with thick soles and hobnails.
The oxfords make it possible for the guards to walk with a smooth, solemn gait, which would be difficult with ankle boots.
Great reaction as always. Keep up the good work.
Also, pretty good timing as this is being released the day before Memorial Day.
I believe that those sunglasses are custom fitted to each guard. This is due to the potential eye damage from the sun reflecting off of all that white marble.
Their D&C (Drill & Ceremony) the way they march, halt, and do facing movements is very specific for Sentinels and not what the average soldier does even during ceremonies. Basic D&C has less flare, the facing movements are done with more of a pivoting of the toes and heels, and halting is a matter of simply ending your step with your feet together.
My Dad was in the Navy, during 3 Wars. I have been able to tour Naval ships. The changing of the Guard, to me, was awe inspiring!
There is nothing like being there to witness the changing of the guard..nothing! The training these soldiers have to go through to be allowed to be part of this honor is intensive. Weather does not matter, this ritual goes on regardless. Most impressive.
How appropriate that this video came up in my feed on Memorial Day, May 31st, in the US. Thank you.
The guards walking duty don't display rank to not outrank that of the unknown soldier.
Now that the US Army is changing their dress uniforms from the dress blues back to the WW2 era dress greens, I'm interested to see if the tomb guards do the same as the rest of the army or continue using the dress blues. Great video as always Don!
Dress blues went back to being purely formal/ceremonial. The WW2 style greens are business casual.
It should be noted that the drill movements they use are specialised for this purpose. Line troops don't move like that in normal drill. The steps, facing movements, etc, are all stylised and exist outside of normal movements. Normal drill & ceremonial movements, when done properly, are much simpler, but really cool to watch. When they're done at this level, it really makes for a powerful experience to watch.
The part in the beginning with the rifle and looking over the guard was an inspection to make sure he was up to par to guard the tomb.
You are correct on the rank insignia. He is the SGT in charge of the guards. He's not the guard. The guard who's rank is not displayed to never outrank the unknown soldier
Just the Supervisors do. The Gaurds themselves don't
The rubber mat was added after many years. They used to walk on the marble until it started wearing out.
I have been waiting for you to do this video.
You should check out some of the Marines and Army drill teams. Incredible the precision they display.
The sentinel Does not wear rank because they don’t know the rank of the unknown soldiers so they won’t out rank them
It is concidered the Highest Honour in the US military to stand that guard.
You should react to some rifle drill competitions/exhibitions - those are extremely cool!
The reason for 21 guns is indeed a coincidence with the numbers in 1776. The accepted number of a firing salute on naval ships in early time was a 7 shot series, as reloading so many times was not only time consuming but also depleted the ships supplies of ammunition for the large guns. Ammunition being more accessible on land the salute of 7 shots was done by 3 guns simultaneously. Hence 21 shots. Most modern 21 gun salutes are 7 guns firing 3 times each. 21 shots is supposedly reserved for presidents, visiting heads of state and highest ranked military officials, with fewer shots fired for others depending on branch and rank. To show the stoicism of these guards of honor, there is a vid on YT that shows a bit of one of these changing ceremonies where the officer doing the inspection loses his grip while doing the spin of the rifle. He catches the butt of the gun before it hits the ground, but not until after the bayonet pierces the boot of the guard being inspected. He flinches ever so slightly but remains silent. A bit later they show a closeup of his feet while walking his post and blood can be seen from the hole on top of his foot. He walked his entire shift! I would love to see you react to a couple of Trace Adkins songs for the military. One is called Arlington and the other is from a live award show with Trace performing with The West Point Glee Club a song called "Til the last shot's fired". Here are those links. ruclips.net/video/rJO7lJIxG10/видео.html ruclips.net/video/GSEauSGFK74/видео.html Enjoy!!
If you enjoyed the precision drill showcased by the Sentinels, you should check out videos of the US Marine Corps Silent Drill Team
I was just coming here to comment this same thing as a suggestion for him to react to. Silent Platoon will blow him away :)
Also, all of the unknowns have been awarded the Medal of Honor.
In the American military, the two hardest positions any service member could ever achieve is as follows.
1. Astronaut
2. Tomb guard for the unknown soldier.
It is easier to become special forces, snipers, and pathfinders then it is to get those positions. The section of the army that does this is the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment, they are mostly called "The Old Guard" and are tasked to protect the tomb so no one can disturb their final rest.
This is the first time I saw a vid with no dislikes
Incredible 💙
I just heard a song by the wonderful Jimmy Fortune “Meet Me At Arlington”.
I will check it out for you Diane. Thank you very much
I would love to see your reaction to the beginning speech of General George S Patton in the movie "Patton ", where he is addressing the troops and he is standing in front of a huge American flag.
The guards don't show their ranks so not to out rank the unknowns since they don't know the soldier's rank