Red roses lay atop a casket in Arlington National Cemetery placed by family members after a service covered by @arlingtonmedia earlier this month. “How do you measure a soldier’s sacrifice? Is it by the number of friends and family left behind? Is it by the months or years given in service? How do you measure a soldier’s courage? Is it by the number of objectives completed, Or by the number of bullets dodged or missions served? How do you measure a soldier’s honor? Is it by the duty he or she volunteers for, Or by the number of medals earned? The simple truth is that these things are immeasurable, As is this country’s debt to all who serve, And pay the price for freedom in this land.” Capturing families and loved ones as part of our service coverage is an honor for our @arlingtonmedia team. The sacrifice of veterans AND their families is not lost on us and it is beautiful to witness and an honor to photograph as memories for generation to come. Posted on May 5, 2022 by Clifford Crittenden
The US Navy band pictured leading a procession in Arlington National Cemetery during a full honors funeral. Full honors funerals are for commissioned officers, warrant officers and senior non-commissioned officers (pay grade E-9). Full honors includes an escort platoon (size varies according to the rank of the deceased) and a military band pictured here. Normally, the deceased service member’s branch of service is responsible for carrying out the military honors at the funeral. Those eligible for full military honors may also use the caisson if it is available. The Third Infantry Regiment United States Army, more commonly known as the Old Guard, is always responsible for caisson. Caisson is a horse drawn wagon or cart. The two caissons used at the Cemetery are from the WWI time period circa 1918-1919. Originally the caisson was used to bring artillery onto the battlefield. Once the artillery was off-loaded, the caisson was loaded with bodies of fallen service members. The wagon is pulled by six horses, but there are only three riders. The Old Guard service members only ride the horses on the left side because the horses on right side were originally used to take supplies onto the battlefield. Officers with a rank of colonel or above in the Army and the Marine Corps may have a caparisoned (riderless) horse, if available. The riderless horse follows behind the caisson and is guided by an Old Guard service member. The horse wears an empty saddle with the boots in the stirrups backwards to signify the last ride of the officer. PC: @arlingtonmedia Paraphrased content: Arlington Tours Posted on May 3, 2022 by Clifford Crittenden
Old Guard Soldiers fold a flag over a casket in Arlington National Cemetery captured by our @arlingtonmedia team. Posted on April 27, 2022 by Clifford Crittenden https://www.arlington.media/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/old-guard-soldiers-fold-a-flag-over-a-casket-in-arlington-national-cemetery-captured-by-our-@arlingt.mp4?_=1
Redbud blossoms appear over Section 66 of Arlington National Cemetery. Posted on April 25, 2022 by Clifford Crittenden
US Marines carry the flag and remains of an honored veteran towards Nimitz Shelter in Arlington National Cemetery. Posted on April 22, 2022 by Clifford Crittenden
Arlington Media coverage of a service in The Old Post Chapel on Fort Myer for a Major General in the United States Marine Corps. Arlington Media strives to respect service members, veterans, and their families with decorum and discretion appropriate to funerals and services at Arlington National Cemetery. We hope to honor their memory through not only our quality of production, but also our actions on the day of your service. Posted on April 20, 2022 by Clifford Crittenden
A US Army Band bugler plays taps at a full honors funeral at Arlington National Cemetery. This image was captured on a service covered by our @arlingtonmedia team. Posted on April 19, 2022 by Clifford Crittenden
Sailors salute a funeral procession as they approach the gravesite at Arlington National Cemetery. Posted on April 15, 2022 by Clifford Crittenden
A US Marine Corps rifle platoon stands ready for a service on Nimitz Drive. Military funerals have their own rites and traditions that have evolved through the ages. The returning of the dead, preparation of the body, funeral service with orations, procession to place of interment (with escorts and music), graveside rites, etc…, all have their roots from antiquity. Today’s customary three volleys fired over a grave probably originated as far back as the Roman Empire. This custom is incorrectly referred to as a “21-gun-salute”. Posted on April 13, 2022 by Clifford Crittenden
US Air Force Rifle Platoon members fire a volley in Section 65 during services covered by our Arlington Media team last week. PC: @arlingtonmedia Posted on April 11, 2022 by Clifford Crittenden