WASHINGTON — Students from two Limestone County elementary schools took part in one of the nation’s most solemn traditions Wednesday morning – laying a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is Arlington National Cemetery’s most iconic memorial. Since 1921, it has provided a final resting place for one of America’s unidentified World War I service members, and Unknowns from later wars were added in 1958 and 1984.
Johnson Elementary Wreath Laying Ceremony from Matt Taylor on Vimeo.
Laying a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier has long been a way for individuals and organizations to honor the sacrifices of American service members.
Wesley Hampton, Trip Smith, Austin Kennedy, and Angelina Jeffreys from Johnson Elementary and Braxton Williams, Hallie Magnusson, Reese Beaty, and Brynn Robison from Cedar Hill Elementary participated in separate ceremonies Wednesday.
The students carried a wreath and were escorted by a Tomb Guard down the steps toward the Tomb for the ceremony.
Presidents, politicians, public figures and foreign dignitaries have all paid their respects in this way. The opportunity to participate in a wreath-laying ceremony is also open to the general public, including school groups.
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.
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