Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Virginia

Arlington National Cemetery

History of Arlington National Cemetery

Since 1948, the Tomb has been guarded 24/7, 365 days per year. This honor is held by the US Army 3rd Infantry Regiment, The Old Guard. This is one of the most sought-after duties, and is held by only the most distinguished. For 30 minutes to 2 hours at a time, a soldier will walk back and forth before the Tomb. Specifically he will take 21 steps, turn and pause for 21 seconds, and repeat. This is to symbolize the 21 Gun Salute, the highest honor granted to the fallen. These soldiers are held to the absolute highest standards of appearance, presentation, discipline, and decorum. Everything that they do is perfect. Whether on duty or off, they are not to do anything that would dishonor the Tomb.

Tomb of the Unknown Soldier 

Lem's Place: America, Memorial Day

AoSHQ/J.J. Sefton: Lest We Forget and Truscott's Apology

Twitchy: The History of Memorial Day via Arlington National Cemetery 

Mark Steyn: Memorial Day and Decoration Day and Memorial Day in New Hampshire

Instapundit: Why Red Poppies?, Thank a Veteran, 10 Reminders of American Bravery and Courage

EBL: Easy Company enjoying Hitler's wine at Eagle's Nest, Women Who Served in WWII, Nurses and Doughnut Dollies of Vietnam and Korea, Women who Served and Died in Combat,...

and a selection of a few other National Cemeteries: Eagle at Fort Snelling Nat. Cem., Fort Rosecrans Nat. Cem., Yellowstone Nat. Cem., Confederate Rest, National Mem. Cem. of the Pacific, Guam Veterans Cem., Sarasota Nat. Cem., Massachusetts Nat. Cem., Puerto Rico Nat. Cem., and Nat. Mem. Cem. of Arizona

Memorial Day 2018: Take Time to Remember https://t.co/KHhjajr6ON pic.twitter.com/S7RXuG5Vt7

— Peter Ingemi (@DaTechGuyblog) May 28, 2018