Arlington National Cemetery

There's much that can have an impact on you in this sacred place. For me, it was first of all the rituals. We saw the changing of the guard, a wreath laying ceremony the the funeral procession of an important Marine officer.

The changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldiers is a ritual of precision, order and choreographed movements. The soldiers are dressed immaculately. They march as if they were walking on air. At the actual change, the Staff Sergeant in charge inspects the soldier through a series of discrete and crisp movements. The skill and commitment of all involved hallows the monument.

In the changing of the wreath, one wreath is removed with care and the civilian family is escorted forward with the new wreath. Again great care and respect.

The funeral caisson of the Marine officer was pulled by six white horses. It followed behind a full size band in uniform and a full attachment of Marines in uniform. There are 20-30 funerals at Arlington each day, though not all are this elaborate. During a funeral, all of the tour buses stop and all visitors are asked to keep silence.

One last special experience was to hear taps played--by a young woman soldier.