Tomb of the Unknown Soldier

One of the ceremony that you should not miss. An experience that I will never forget. It bought tears to my eyes. If you have the time, actually make times to see the changing of the guard. It is something that should not be missed. It is much better in person than on TVs. This is a place to be respected and remain silent during the ceremony.

The changing of the guards is an interesting process to experience. It is occurred on the hour ²⁴⁄₇.

The changing of the guards is a good process to watch and always done on the hour. The tomb is guarded 24 hours a day even thru storms like Hurricane Sandy.

One of the greatest traditions in the Washington D.C. area. A solemn memorial and traditions that pays respect to past and future veterans. Symbolic of the dedication of the United States to the ones who have served, precise and enduring. Wind, rain, sleet, snow, doesn’t matter. If you’re ever in Arlington Cemetery (or touring the sights) please stop by and pay respects.

It is always incredible to see the changing of the guard. I have the utmost respect for the Soldiers who dedicate themselves to this honor. If you have never taken the time to, be sure to come see the changing of the guard. Count the steps, count seconds, watch them inspect the rifles and always stay in step. Amazing and so professional.

If you’ve never seen it, try to see the changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldiers. At all times, the Tomb is guarded. The guard will walk with his gun with bayonet attached the 21 steps across the front of the Tomb, pause 21 secs, turn, pause 21 secs, turn, pause 21 secs, and walk the 21 steps back. This is repeated until the changing of the guard and a guard is ALWAYS on duty no matter the weather.
During the summer, the changing of the guard is done at the top and bottom of the hour. In the winter, the changing of the guard is at the top of the hour.
One note, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldiers is a bit far from the main entrance. It is past JF Kennedy’s gravesite and some of the parts during the walk has a steep grade. I entered Arlington at 1045A and walked to JF Kennedy’s gravesite. I didn’t stay too long at JF Kennedy’s gravesite and had to really rush to make it to the 1130A changing of the guard.

Amazing place, incredible way to honor our lost soldiers.

Very patriotic. Something’s to know. Do not sit and do not talk loud. The sentry will let you know.
The precision is amazing. You can set your watch by it. 21 seconds pause and then 21 steps. The post will always be manned. Defiantly worth the walk to see at Arlington cemetery.

A beautiful and touching memorial to our fallen soldiers. The changing of the guards is a very solemn and moving ceremony. A must do when in Washington DC.

Came here Easter Sunday to honor those who are unknown that fell. Took the trolley tour and it was well worth the price.

Absolutely MEMORABLE experience to watch this very respectful ceremony. You can’t help but feel emotional witnessing this very precise and elaborate exercise. The attention to detail by the guards is amazing.

You’ve probably seen this on TV, in photos or video at one time or another. This is one of those «must see in person» moments. A continuous ceremony that is so simple in design, rigorous in execution and carries so much weight.
To get here you have to walk through a portion of the Arlington National Cemetery. Which should’ve been on your list of things to do anyway. The cemetery map will provide you with many spots you’ll want to see along the way. You’ll know you’re close when you start to see people facing the same direction standing quiet and somber. You’ll see the crowd to one side sitting or standing on the steps all with their focus on the lone soldier standing guard over the tomb with Washington DC down below in the background.
Observe the guard go through his movements with razor like sharpness. Here is a description of this meticulous action: «The Tomb Guard marches 21 steps down the black mat behind the Tomb, turns, faces east for 21 seconds, turns and faces north for 21 seconds, then takes 21 steps down the mat and repeats the process. After the turn, the sentinel executes a sharp „shoulder-​arms“ movement to place the weapon on the shoulder closest to the visitors to signify that the sentinel stands between the Tomb and any possible threat. Twenty-​one was chosen because it symbolizes the highest military honor that can be bestowed — the 21-​gun salute.»
You can see the precision that goes into this process by the footsteps that over time have been molded into the black mat they walk along.
People spend time here watching the guard, silent in their own thoughts and for some the experience has a meditative effect.
A special part of this custom you might want to see is the Changing of the Guard.
This happens on the hour from October thru March and every half hour from April thru September. When the time comes, like clockwork, a relief commander walks out to announce the Changing of the Guard. When the new guard appears the relief commander walks out to the Tomb and renders a hand salute, then asks those in attendance to stand and stay silent during the ceremony. Watch as the commander performs a white-​glove weapon inspection and the new sentry takes his post.
Be sure to stop inside the large structure and view the various displays, descriptions and videos which explain the Tomb of the Unknown Solider’s inspirational creation and history.
Put this on your checklist.

You know when you are here, the emotions are very high. If you know anything about this, you will respect the way things are handle here, and know people should show the upmost respect to this venue. The solders that take care of this area, and guard the tomb, well they show respect, attention to details and wow, they are the best to do this.
This is something you do have to see in person. If you miss this you are missing our history and memories of all US solders.

This is a sacred area that. Demands respect. The changing of the guard ceremony is fun to look at. It happens every hour on the hour. The guard walks a path that is 21 paces long, pauses for 21 seconds facing the tombs, turns around and repeats the process until he or she is relieved at the end of the shift by 1 of his comrades in arms .
walk

If you want to see a superb example of reverence, discipline, fortitude and a «sense of the sacred» visit this memorial. You will find no other example in American society, where those traits can be observed in a gov’t run institution. Spectacular and reverential.

A memorable experience– we came right at the changing of the guard and witnessed an extremely elaborate ritual where all the members moved in perfect slow moving unison. The tombs are guarded 365 days a year and the changing of the guard ceremony is performed every hour on the hour– twice an hour in the summer according to
. As on guard is leaving a commander does a fantastically intricate rifle inspection of the new guard that blew me away!
After watching the guard change, you can also view a small exhibit and the amphitheater attached to the tomb memorial. Arrive early, viewing can full closer to the guard change. You are expected to
Stand and remain silent — I would turn of any electronics to be sure!
Many other memorials are close enough to walk to and spend hours viewing in Arlington Cemetery. Don’t miss it!

The Tomb is a wonderful place to visit while in D.C., to pay respect to the fallen and to watch the Changing of the Guard ceremony. It was amazing to see the dedication, attention to detail, exactness and honor held by the guards during their walk and the ceremony.
The visitor’s center has been recently updated and has a lot of great information on The Tomb as well as some honors given to the Guard from other countries. The view can’t be beat, either.
Remember, this is a military ceremony the public is able to observe… not just a show they are putting on for visitors! It really is amazing to watch.
Definitely a must-​visit while in D.C.

Awesome place. Unfortunate that so many tourists are so rude. In the middle of changing of the guard, some jackass is chatting casually to his companion. It just makes you want to smack someone upside the head.
I am always blown away that there are people who are compelled to come to such a sacred space and then feel that their banal commentary is acceptable during such a ceremony.
God bless every person who has so honorably served our country and sacrificed for the rest of us.

Honorable. Touching. Emotional. This memorial is a must see for anyone visiting the DC area. Many of us are connected with someone in the military. Seeing the Changing of the Guard is incredible. If you stand on the right side of the steps, you will get a great view of the gun inspection before the guards change. During our visit here, there were about 50 veterans flown in on an Honor Flight. That made this so much more memorable. Seeing these gentlemen in awe was enough to make this a favorite site to see.
I know this is Unilocal but I want to say THANK YOU TO ALL OF THE MEN AND WOMEN WHO HAVE SERVED THIS GREAT COUNTRY!

It truly amazes me how thorough and precise the soldiers have to be have this position. It is a very respectable job to work in the changing of the guard and a very select few actually ever get to participate compared to the amount of people who apply to be part of this ceremonial piece in Arlington Cemetery.
The soldiers must walk 21 steps across the tomb, face the tomb for 21 seconds, the repeat and walk the other direction. Very tediously detailed, but what an honor to have to serve here.
When I saw this, it was truly a moving experience. You can only imagine what it must be like to have lost a loved one to war and them never to be identified. Who knows, they may be interred here. You really have the opportunity to reflect and realize how fortunate you are to live free in a country where these men and women served.
Come pay your respects and count your blessings you truly have.