Wreath Laying at Arlington
The Wabash football team and traveling party started Sunday with a trip to Arlington National Cemetery. The first stop was at President John Kennedy's eternal flame. Photos by Howard W. Hewitt
The Wabash men were dressed in slacks and dress shoes for the trip to Arlington.
A trip up to Robert E. Lee's home, the highest point in the Cemetery, had all the smart phone cameras working hard. The morning started overcast, as seen here, but cleared quickly.
The thousands of grave markers certainly leave an impact.
The group arrived at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier about 15 minutes before the 9 a.m. changing of the guard.
Eddie Cmehil, at center, and teammates wait for the changing of the guard.
The ceremony began promptly at the top of the hour - as it does 24/7 and 365 days a year.
The Tomb Guard has a long history - a tradition dating back to 1926
Sentinel's Creed The Tomb Guard Serving at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier (Tomb) was a defining period in the lives of Tomb Guards. Although Tomb Guards come from every state in the United States of America (U.S.) and every walk of life, they are forever bonded through their shared experience of service at the Tomb. From: https://tombguard.org/
Wabash football players watching the ceremony.
The Guards train for a period fo six to 12 months in order to guard the Tomb.
After the changing of the Guard Sunday, the wreath laying ceremony got underway.
Wabash seniors Jake Norley, Matt Dickerson, Trey Taylor, and Chris Broecker are escorted down the steps to the Tomb.
The Guard assists the students in placing the wreath
The ceremony concluded with a stirring playing of 'Taps.'
The Tomb Guard congratulates the Wabash students who placed the wreath.
And just as it happens every day, the guard resumes paces after the wreath placement.
The lasting and moving image of Arlington National Cemetery.