Post and orders: Remain as directed. A Veteran's Day salute.

Everyone is a patriot on Veteran's Day.

Most of us move about our liberties with little thought to their protection and preservation at the hands of young men and women, some of whom are not even of drinking age. However, on those American holidays set aside to remember freedom and its cost - July 4th, Memorial Day, and Veteran's Day - we bleed more than red. We bleed red, white, and blue. We remember those who have shed blood, bled tears, and sacrificed everything they have and are on the altar of liberty, to ensure its survival against all threats, at home and abroad.

We remember...and we remember to say, "Thank you."

The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier

In 2010, I worked as a catastrophe claims adjuster following a windstorm in Washington, DC. After finishing my work, my wife came to visit, and we spent a few days exploring American institutions like the White House, Congress, the Mall, the monuments, and the Smithsonian.

Perhaps the most impactful moments were at Arlington Cemetery, where we visited the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and watched the famous changing of the guard.

On its website, Arlington Cemetery explains the history and meaning behind guarding the symbolic tomb:

In March 1926, soldiers from nearby Fort Myer were first assigned to guard the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. The guards, present only during daylight hours, discouraged visitors from climbing or stepping on the Tomb. In 1937, the guards became a 24/7 presence, standing watch over the Unknown Soldier at all times.

The 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment, known as “The Old Guard,” was designated as the Army’s official ceremonial unit on April 6, 1948. At that time, The Old Guard began guarding the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Soldiers of The Old Guard also serve as escorts to the president and conduct military ceremonies in and around Washington, D.C., including military funeral escorts at Arlington National Cemetery.

Soldiers who volunteer to become Tomb Guards must undergo a strict selection process and intensive training. Each element of the Tomb Guard’s routine has meaning. The Guard marches 21 steps down the black mat behind the Tomb, turns and faces east for 21 seconds, turns and faces north for 21 seconds, and then takes 21 steps down the mat. Next, the Guard executes a sharp "shoulder-arms" movement to place his/her weapon on the shoulder closest to the visitors, signifying that he or she stands between the Tomb and any possible threat. The number 21 symbolizes the highest symbolic military honor that can be bestowed: the 21-gun salute.

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.

Twenty-four hours a day, soldiers from the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment, known as "The Old Guard," stand watch over the Tomb. The Tomb Guards, also called Sentinels, are chosen?for this prestigious and highly selective?post?only after rigorous training and a demanding series of examinations (see below). The Old Guard has held this distinguished duty since 1948.?? An impeccably uniformed relief commander appears on the plaza to announce the changing of the guard. Soon, the new Sentinel leaves the Tomb Guard quarters and unlocks the bolt of his or her M-14 rifle, signaling to the relief commander to begin the ceremony. The relief commander walks out to the Tomb and salutes, then faces the spectators and asks them to stand and remain silent during the ceremony.

The relief commander conducts a detailed white-glove inspection of the weapon, checking each part of the rifle once. Then, the relief commander and the relieving Sentinel meet the retiring Sentinel at the center of the black mat in front of the Tomb. All three salute the Unknown Soldiers who have symbolically been given the Medal of Honor. The relief commander orders the relieved Sentinel,?"Pass on your orders." The current Sentinel commands, "Post and orders, remain as directed." The newly posted Sentinel replies, "Orders acknowledged," and steps into position on the mat. When the relief commander passes, the new Sentinel begins walking at a cadence of 90 steps per minute.

More than just a ceremony, the changing of the guard is a powerful experience. Somehow, it elevates a person to a place of understanding. It lifts you to clouds of glorious conquest and drives you to your knees in honor of ultimate sacrifice. You realize how precious freedom is and how somber the sacrifice to gain and maintain it.

This morning, I saw on a friend's LinkedIn page a video honoring the first female soldier to earn the honor of joining the Old Guard as a Sentinel at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Please see the power of it for yourself.

Oct 8, 2024 - Last week, U.S. Army Spc. Jessica Kwiatkowski conducted her final walk at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. The first female infantry Soldier to earn a Tomb Guard Badge, Kwiatkowski served at the Tomb for 23 months.

Word Warrior

In my 2023 book of poetry, Word Warrior: Killing Them Softly One Rhyme at a Time, I shared the following poem:

None Gave More (A Memorial Day Poem)

Here's to the boys

Who died on unknown hills

In unnamed battles

Whose near-anonymous sacrifice

Secured the safety

And freedom

Of untold millions

To whom belongs

The Whispered but not unknown -

And eternal -

Glory

Of the Widow's mite.

-May 26, 2014

Jesus sat down near the collection box in the Temple and watched as the crowds dropped in their money. Many rich people put in large amounts. Then a poor widow came and dropped in two small coins. Jesus called his disciples to him and said, “I tell you the truth, this poor widow has given more than all the others who are making contributions. For they gave a tiny part of their surplus, but she, poor as she is, has given everything she had to live on.” -Mark 12:41-44, New Living Translation of the Holy Bible

This is Veteran's Day!

But this is not Memorial Day. This is not the day designated to remember the dead but to honor the living, to say thank you while we can to those to whom we owe our gratitude, if not our very lives.

Happy Veteran's Day to every veteran who may happen to read this article!