Memorial Day

Tomorrow is the official beginning of Memorial Day weekend, that long weekend for many that ends Monday on Memorial Day.

This day honors those who died during active military duty. The television and internet news and newspapers will show pictures and videos of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington Cemetery and the sentinels who guard the Tomb 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. The Tomb was erected in 1921. The Old Guard sentinels began in 1926, and in 1937 sentinels began to guard 24 hours a day.

One year our travel group was visiting Arlington Cemetery the Friday before Memorial Day. When we arrived we noticed hundreds of wreaths laying in front of the Tomb and many groups lined up with wreaths.

As we stood watching the Tomb guard march to one end of the mat placed in front of the Tomb, turning 90 degrees toward the East and on a count of 21, turning another 90 degrees for a count of 21, then switched his rifle to the shoulder away from the Tomb and marches 21 steps to the other end of the mat repeating the process for the next half hour when the Changing of the Guard takes place.

Their shoes are specially made with thick soles and have metal heel plates that extend to the top of the shoe that allows them to make the loud click when they come to a halt.

That Friday we observed the Relief Commander of the Guards meet the groups with their wreaths. He instructed them on protocol, leading them to the front of the Tomb and helping them place their wreath on a holder, then stand for a few moments facing the Tomb before departing in total quietness. Another guard would take that wreath and put it with the others lining the front of the Tomb. Over and over, we watched as the Relief Commander lead groups to place their wreaths.

Later we went to the Vietnam Memorial and also saw hundreds of wreaths and flowers along the wall.

Hang your flags as a show of your support for our military and to remember those brave souls who gave their last ounce of life for our right to be free.