McClellan Gate can be seen standing erect amidst the early morning fog at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Virginia. McClellan Gate marks the original entrance to Arlington National Cemetery. Named for Civil War General George B. McClellan, the reddish-brown archway remains one of the cemetery’s most iconic landmarks, towering 30 feet above the ground. Atop the arch facing east, the name “McClellan” is inscribed in gold, above lines from Theodore O’Hara’s poem “Bivouac of the Dead” (1847): “On fame’s eternal camping ground their silent tents are spread / And glory guards with solemn round, the bivouac of the dead.” Other lines from the poem are on the west-facing arch: “Rest on embalmed and sainted dead, dear as the blood ye gave / No impious footsteps here shall tread on the herbage of your grave.” Like McClellan, O’Hara fought in the Mexican-American War (1846-1848) and wrote the poem to honor fallen soldiers from that conflict. However, “Bivouac of the Dead” became most closely associated with the Civil War, as it appeared on both Union and Confederate monuments during the 1860s.

[igp-video src="" poster="https://www.arlington.media/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/mcclellan-gate-can-be-seen-standing-erect-amidst-the-early-morning-fog-at-arlington-national-cemeter-1.jpg" size="large"]

Continue ReadingMcClellan Gate can be seen standing erect amidst the early morning fog at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Virginia. McClellan Gate marks the original entrance to Arlington National Cemetery. Named for Civil War General George B. McClellan, the reddish-brown archway remains one of the cemetery’s most iconic landmarks, towering 30 feet above the ground. Atop the arch facing east, the name “McClellan” is inscribed in gold, above lines from Theodore O’Hara’s poem “Bivouac of the Dead” (1847): “On fame’s eternal camping ground their silent tents are spread / And glory guards with solemn round, the bivouac of the dead.” Other lines from the poem are on the west-facing arch: “Rest on embalmed and sainted dead, dear as the blood ye gave / No impious footsteps here shall tread on the herbage of your grave.” Like McClellan, O’Hara fought in the Mexican-American War (1846-1848) and wrote the poem to honor fallen soldiers from that conflict. However, “Bivouac of the Dead” became most closely associated with the Civil War, as it appeared on both Union and Confederate monuments during the 1860s.

McClellan Gate can be seen standing erect amidst the early morning fog at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Virginia. McClellan Gate marks the original entrance to Arlington National Cemetery. Named for Civil War General George B. McClellan, the reddish-brown archway remains one of the cemetery’s most iconic landmarks, towering 30 feet above the ground. Atop the arch facing east, the name “McClellan” is inscribed in gold, above lines from Theodore O’Hara’s poem “Bivouac of the Dead” (1847): “On fame’s eternal camping ground their silent tents are spread / And glory guards with solemn round, the bivouac of the dead.” Other lines from the poem are on the west-facing arch: “Rest on embalmed and sainted dead, dear as the blood ye gave / No impious footsteps here shall tread on the herbage of your grave.” Like McClellan, O’Hara fought in the Mexican-American War (1846-1848) and wrote the poem to honor fallen soldiers from that conflict. However, “Bivouac of the Dead” became most closely associated with the Civil War, as it appeared on both Union and Confederate monuments during the 1860s.

[igp-video src="" poster="https://www.arlington.media/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/mcclellan-gate-can-be-seen-standing-erect-amidst-the-early-morning-fog-at-arlington-national-cemeter.jpg" size="large"]

Continue ReadingMcClellan Gate can be seen standing erect amidst the early morning fog at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Virginia. McClellan Gate marks the original entrance to Arlington National Cemetery. Named for Civil War General George B. McClellan, the reddish-brown archway remains one of the cemetery’s most iconic landmarks, towering 30 feet above the ground. Atop the arch facing east, the name “McClellan” is inscribed in gold, above lines from Theodore O’Hara’s poem “Bivouac of the Dead” (1847): “On fame’s eternal camping ground their silent tents are spread / And glory guards with solemn round, the bivouac of the dead.” Other lines from the poem are on the west-facing arch: “Rest on embalmed and sainted dead, dear as the blood ye gave / No impious footsteps here shall tread on the herbage of your grave.” Like McClellan, O’Hara fought in the Mexican-American War (1846-1848) and wrote the poem to honor fallen soldiers from that conflict. However, “Bivouac of the Dead” became most closely associated with the Civil War, as it appeared on both Union and Confederate monuments during the 1860s.

The Sentinels of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier stand watch 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, in any weather. Sentinels, who volunteer for this post, are considered the elite of the elite 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard), headquartered at nearby Fort Myer, Virginia. After members of the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment become ceremonially qualified, they are eligible to volunteer for duty as Sentinels at the Tomb. If accepted, they are assigned to Company E of The Old Guard. Each soldier must be in superb physical condition, possess an unblemished military record and be between 5 feet, 10 inches and 6 feet, 4 inches tall for men or 5 feet, 8 inches and 6 feet, 2 inches tall for women, with a proportionate weight and build. Would-be Tomb Guards must first undergo an interview and a two-week trial. During the trial phase, they memorize seven pages of Arlington National Cemetery history. This information must be recited verbatim in order to earn a “walk.” If a soldier passes the first training phase, “new soldier” training begins. New Sentinels learn the history of Arlington National Cemetery and the grave locations of nearly 300 veterans.They learn the guard-change ceremony, the manual of arms, and methods for keeping their uniforms and weapons in immaculate condition. The Sentinels must pass multiple tests to earn the privilege of wearing the silver Tomb Guard Identification Badge. First, they are tested on their manual of arms knowledge, uniform preparation and walks. Then, they take the badge test, consisting of 100 randomly selected questions from the 300 items memorized during training. The would-be badge holder must get more than 95 % correct. The Tomb Guard Identification Badge is a temporary award until the badge-holding Sentinel has honorably served at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier for nine months. At that time, the award can become a permanent badge, which may be worn for the rest of a military career. The silver badge is an upside-down, laurel-leaf wreath surrounding a depiction of the Tomb’s front face, the words “Honor Guard,” and figures representing Peace, Victory and Valor. Over 600 Tomb Guards have earned the badge since the 1950s.

[igp-video src="" poster="https://www.arlington.media/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/the-sentinels-of-the-tomb-of-the-unknown-soldier-stand-watch-24-hours-a-day-365-days-a-year-in-any-w-1.jpg" size="large"]

Continue ReadingThe Sentinels of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier stand watch 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, in any weather. Sentinels, who volunteer for this post, are considered the elite of the elite 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard), headquartered at nearby Fort Myer, Virginia. After members of the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment become ceremonially qualified, they are eligible to volunteer for duty as Sentinels at the Tomb. If accepted, they are assigned to Company E of The Old Guard. Each soldier must be in superb physical condition, possess an unblemished military record and be between 5 feet, 10 inches and 6 feet, 4 inches tall for men or 5 feet, 8 inches and 6 feet, 2 inches tall for women, with a proportionate weight and build. Would-be Tomb Guards must first undergo an interview and a two-week trial. During the trial phase, they memorize seven pages of Arlington National Cemetery history. This information must be recited verbatim in order to earn a “walk.” If a soldier passes the first training phase, “new soldier” training begins. New Sentinels learn the history of Arlington National Cemetery and the grave locations of nearly 300 veterans.They learn the guard-change ceremony, the manual of arms, and methods for keeping their uniforms and weapons in immaculate condition. The Sentinels must pass multiple tests to earn the privilege of wearing the silver Tomb Guard Identification Badge. First, they are tested on their manual of arms knowledge, uniform preparation and walks. Then, they take the badge test, consisting of 100 randomly selected questions from the 300 items memorized during training. The would-be badge holder must get more than 95 % correct. The Tomb Guard Identification Badge is a temporary award until the badge-holding Sentinel has honorably served at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier for nine months. At that time, the award can become a permanent badge, which may be worn for the rest of a military career. The silver badge is an upside-down, laurel-leaf wreath surrounding a depiction of the Tomb’s front face, the words “Honor Guard,” and figures representing Peace, Victory and Valor. Over 600 Tomb Guards have earned the badge since the 1950s.

The Sentinels of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier stand watch 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, in any weather. Sentinels, who volunteer for this post, are considered the elite of the elite 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard), headquartered at nearby Fort Myer, Virginia. After members of the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment become ceremonially qualified, they are eligible to volunteer for duty as Sentinels at the Tomb. If accepted, they are assigned to Company E of The Old Guard. Each soldier must be in superb physical condition, possess an unblemished military record and be between 5 feet, 10 inches and 6 feet, 4 inches tall for men or 5 feet, 8 inches and 6 feet, 2 inches tall for women, with a proportionate weight and build. Would-be Tomb Guards must first undergo an interview and a two-week trial. During the trial phase, they memorize seven pages of Arlington National Cemetery history. This information must be recited verbatim in order to earn a “walk.” If a soldier passes the first training phase, “new soldier” training begins. New Sentinels learn the history of Arlington National Cemetery and the grave locations of nearly 300 veterans.They learn the guard-change ceremony, the manual of arms, and methods for keeping their uniforms and weapons in immaculate condition. The Sentinels must pass multiple tests to earn the privilege of wearing the silver Tomb Guard Identification Badge. First, they are tested on their manual of arms knowledge, uniform preparation and walks. Then, they take the badge test, consisting of 100 randomly selected questions from the 300 items memorized during training. The would-be badge holder must get more than 95 % correct. The Tomb Guard Identification Badge is a temporary award until the badge-holding Sentinel has honorably served at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier for nine months. At that time, the award can become a permanent badge, which may be worn for the rest of a military career. The silver badge is an upside-down, laurel-leaf wreath surrounding a depiction of the Tomb’s front face, the words “Honor Guard,” and figures representing Peace, Victory and Valor. Over 600 Tomb Guards have earned the badge since the 1950s.

[igp-video src="" poster="https://www.arlington.media/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/the-sentinels-of-the-tomb-of-the-unknown-soldier-stand-watch-24-hours-a-day-365-days-a-year-in-any-w.jpg" size="large"]

Continue ReadingThe Sentinels of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier stand watch 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, in any weather. Sentinels, who volunteer for this post, are considered the elite of the elite 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard), headquartered at nearby Fort Myer, Virginia. After members of the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment become ceremonially qualified, they are eligible to volunteer for duty as Sentinels at the Tomb. If accepted, they are assigned to Company E of The Old Guard. Each soldier must be in superb physical condition, possess an unblemished military record and be between 5 feet, 10 inches and 6 feet, 4 inches tall for men or 5 feet, 8 inches and 6 feet, 2 inches tall for women, with a proportionate weight and build. Would-be Tomb Guards must first undergo an interview and a two-week trial. During the trial phase, they memorize seven pages of Arlington National Cemetery history. This information must be recited verbatim in order to earn a “walk.” If a soldier passes the first training phase, “new soldier” training begins. New Sentinels learn the history of Arlington National Cemetery and the grave locations of nearly 300 veterans.They learn the guard-change ceremony, the manual of arms, and methods for keeping their uniforms and weapons in immaculate condition. The Sentinels must pass multiple tests to earn the privilege of wearing the silver Tomb Guard Identification Badge. First, they are tested on their manual of arms knowledge, uniform preparation and walks. Then, they take the badge test, consisting of 100 randomly selected questions from the 300 items memorized during training. The would-be badge holder must get more than 95 % correct. The Tomb Guard Identification Badge is a temporary award until the badge-holding Sentinel has honorably served at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier for nine months. At that time, the award can become a permanent badge, which may be worn for the rest of a military career. The silver badge is an upside-down, laurel-leaf wreath surrounding a depiction of the Tomb’s front face, the words “Honor Guard,” and figures representing Peace, Victory and Valor. Over 600 Tomb Guards have earned the badge since the 1950s.

A caisson team can be seen leading a funeral procession through Arlington National Cemetery with the Washington National Cathedral hazy in the background.

[igp-video src="" poster="https://www.arlington.media/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/a-caisson-team-can-be-seen-leading-a-funeral-procession-through-arlington-national-cemetery-with-the-1.jpg" size="large"]

Continue ReadingA caisson team can be seen leading a funeral procession through Arlington National Cemetery with the Washington National Cathedral hazy in the background.

A caisson team can be seen leading a funeral procession through Arlington National Cemetery with the Washington National Cathedral hazy in the background.

[igp-video src="" poster="https://www.arlington.media/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/a-caisson-team-can-be-seen-leading-a-funeral-procession-through-arlington-national-cemetery-with-the.jpg" size="large"]

Continue ReadingA caisson team can be seen leading a funeral procession through Arlington National Cemetery with the Washington National Cathedral hazy in the background.

As a blanket of snow slowly descends over Washington DC and Arlington National Cemetery, our Arlington Media team prepares for a busy week covering everything from dependent to full honors missions, despite the weather. No matter what the conditions look like, we are ready for them and eager to serve.

[igp-video src="" poster="https://www.arlington.media/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/as-a-blanket-of-snow-slowly-descends-over-washington-dc-and-arlington-national-cemetery-our-arlingto-1.jpg" size="large"]

Continue ReadingAs a blanket of snow slowly descends over Washington DC and Arlington National Cemetery, our Arlington Media team prepares for a busy week covering everything from dependent to full honors missions, despite the weather. No matter what the conditions look like, we are ready for them and eager to serve.

As a blanket of snow slowly descends over Washington DC and Arlington National Cemetery, our Arlington Media team prepares for a busy week covering everything from dependent to full honors missions, despite the weather. No matter what the conditions look like, we are ready for them and eager to serve.

[igp-video src="" poster="https://www.arlington.media/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/as-a-blanket-of-snow-slowly-descends-over-washington-dc-and-arlington-national-cemetery-our-arlingto.jpg" size="large"]

Continue ReadingAs a blanket of snow slowly descends over Washington DC and Arlington National Cemetery, our Arlington Media team prepares for a busy week covering everything from dependent to full honors missions, despite the weather. No matter what the conditions look like, we are ready for them and eager to serve.