PFC Raymond Kenneth Blake buried in Section 25 of Arlington National Cemetery. PFC Blake shares Section 25 with Private Henry Johnson, a member of the 369th. He fought in the Argonne Forest and was the first American soldier to earn France’s highest military honor – the Croix de Guerre. On the night of May 14, 1918, Pvt. Johnson and Pvt. Needham Roberts were on sentry duty when a squad of Germans began firing at them. Roberts was severely wounded soon after the firing began. Johnson continued fighting even after taking bullets in the arm, head, side and suffering 21 wounds in hand-to-hand combat. Johnson was posthumously awarded the Purple Heart and the Distinguished Service Cross. On June 2, 2015, President Barack Obama posthumously awarded Johnson the Medal of Honor to Pvt. Johnson for “conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty.”

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Continue ReadingPFC Raymond Kenneth Blake buried in Section 25 of Arlington National Cemetery. PFC Blake shares Section 25 with Private Henry Johnson, a member of the 369th. He fought in the Argonne Forest and was the first American soldier to earn France’s highest military honor – the Croix de Guerre. On the night of May 14, 1918, Pvt. Johnson and Pvt. Needham Roberts were on sentry duty when a squad of Germans began firing at them. Roberts was severely wounded soon after the firing began. Johnson continued fighting even after taking bullets in the arm, head, side and suffering 21 wounds in hand-to-hand combat. Johnson was posthumously awarded the Purple Heart and the Distinguished Service Cross. On June 2, 2015, President Barack Obama posthumously awarded Johnson the Medal of Honor to Pvt. Johnson for “conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty.”

PFC Raymond Kenneth Blake buried in Section 25 of Arlington National Cemetery. PFC Blake shares Section 25 with Private Henry Johnson, a member of the 369th. He fought in the Argonne Forest and was the first American soldier to earn France’s highest military honor – the Croix de Guerre. On the night of May 14, 1918, Pvt. Johnson and Pvt. Needham Roberts were on sentry duty when a squad of Germans began firing at them. Roberts was severely wounded soon after the firing began. Johnson continued fighting even after taking bullets in the arm, head, side and suffering 21 wounds in hand-to-hand combat. Johnson was posthumously awarded the Purple Heart and the Distinguished Service Cross. On June 2, 2015, President Barack Obama posthumously awarded Johnson the Medal of Honor to Pvt. Johnson for “conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty.”

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Continue ReadingPFC Raymond Kenneth Blake buried in Section 25 of Arlington National Cemetery. PFC Blake shares Section 25 with Private Henry Johnson, a member of the 369th. He fought in the Argonne Forest and was the first American soldier to earn France’s highest military honor – the Croix de Guerre. On the night of May 14, 1918, Pvt. Johnson and Pvt. Needham Roberts were on sentry duty when a squad of Germans began firing at them. Roberts was severely wounded soon after the firing began. Johnson continued fighting even after taking bullets in the arm, head, side and suffering 21 wounds in hand-to-hand combat. Johnson was posthumously awarded the Purple Heart and the Distinguished Service Cross. On June 2, 2015, President Barack Obama posthumously awarded Johnson the Medal of Honor to Pvt. Johnson for “conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty.”

Arlington National Cemetery conducts thousands of military funerals a year. It’s one of few cemeteries that provide graveside burials with full military funeral honors and escort, and each part of a military funeral at Arlington is performed by a service member stationed in the D.C. metro area. The Army is the largest branch of military service in the U.S. and, as a result, conducts more funerals at the cemetery than any other. Members of the Third U.S. Infantry Regiment “The Old Guard” and the U.S. Army Band “Pershing’s Own” fill these roles. Funerals are referred to as “missions” to help soldiers stay emotionally detached and focused on their task. The Old Guard is organized into platoons specific to each ceremonial job. This helps the soldiers specialize in their part of the service and gives them time to rest and maintain their infantry training. When soldiers arrive at Fort Myer, they’re given their platoon assignment. Most want to be part of the firing platoon because it takes the most skill, but you have to audition for a spot first. For seven soldiers to fire the 21-gun salute at the same time requires impeccable timing. The shots are fired in unison and the soldiers must reload their weapons in perfect synchronization with each other. Casket platoon is also a sought-after position. The casket bearers are positioned next to the Chaplain and in full view of the family.

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Continue ReadingArlington National Cemetery conducts thousands of military funerals a year. It’s one of few cemeteries that provide graveside burials with full military funeral honors and escort, and each part of a military funeral at Arlington is performed by a service member stationed in the D.C. metro area. The Army is the largest branch of military service in the U.S. and, as a result, conducts more funerals at the cemetery than any other. Members of the Third U.S. Infantry Regiment “The Old Guard” and the U.S. Army Band “Pershing’s Own” fill these roles. Funerals are referred to as “missions” to help soldiers stay emotionally detached and focused on their task. The Old Guard is organized into platoons specific to each ceremonial job. This helps the soldiers specialize in their part of the service and gives them time to rest and maintain their infantry training. When soldiers arrive at Fort Myer, they’re given their platoon assignment. Most want to be part of the firing platoon because it takes the most skill, but you have to audition for a spot first. For seven soldiers to fire the 21-gun salute at the same time requires impeccable timing. The shots are fired in unison and the soldiers must reload their weapons in perfect synchronization with each other. Casket platoon is also a sought-after position. The casket bearers are positioned next to the Chaplain and in full view of the family.

Arlington National Cemetery conducts thousands of military funerals a year. It’s one of few cemeteries that provide graveside burials with full military funeral honors and escort, and each part of a military funeral at Arlington is performed by a service member stationed in the D.C. metro area. The Army is the largest branch of military service in the U.S. and, as a result, conducts more funerals at the cemetery than any other. Members of the Third U.S. Infantry Regiment “The Old Guard” and the U.S. Army Band “Pershing’s Own” fill these roles. Funerals are referred to as “missions” to help soldiers stay emotionally detached and focused on their task. The Old Guard is organized into platoons specific to each ceremonial job. This helps the soldiers specialize in their part of the service and gives them time to rest and maintain their infantry training. When soldiers arrive at Fort Myer, they’re given their platoon assignment. Most want to be part of the firing platoon because it takes the most skill, but you have to audition for a spot first. For seven soldiers to fire the 21-gun salute at the same time requires impeccable timing. The shots are fired in unison and the soldiers must reload their weapons in perfect synchronization with each other. Casket platoon is also a sought-after position. The casket bearers are positioned next to the Chaplain and in full view of the family.

[igp-video src="" poster="https://www.arlington.media/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/arlington-national-cemetery-conducts-thousands-of-military-funerals-a-year.-its-one-of-few-cemeterie-1.jpg" size="large"]

Continue ReadingArlington National Cemetery conducts thousands of military funerals a year. It’s one of few cemeteries that provide graveside burials with full military funeral honors and escort, and each part of a military funeral at Arlington is performed by a service member stationed in the D.C. metro area. The Army is the largest branch of military service in the U.S. and, as a result, conducts more funerals at the cemetery than any other. Members of the Third U.S. Infantry Regiment “The Old Guard” and the U.S. Army Band “Pershing’s Own” fill these roles. Funerals are referred to as “missions” to help soldiers stay emotionally detached and focused on their task. The Old Guard is organized into platoons specific to each ceremonial job. This helps the soldiers specialize in their part of the service and gives them time to rest and maintain their infantry training. When soldiers arrive at Fort Myer, they’re given their platoon assignment. Most want to be part of the firing platoon because it takes the most skill, but you have to audition for a spot first. For seven soldiers to fire the 21-gun salute at the same time requires impeccable timing. The shots are fired in unison and the soldiers must reload their weapons in perfect synchronization with each other. Casket platoon is also a sought-after position. The casket bearers are positioned next to the Chaplain and in full view of the family.

The Washington Monument rises over a caisson at Arlington National Cemetery escorting the remains of a veteran to their final resting place. George Washington’s military and political leadership were indispensable to the founding of the United States. As commander of the Continental Army, he rallied Americans from thirteen divergent states and outlasted Britain’s superior military force. As the first president, Washington’s superb leadership set the standard for each president that has succeeded him. The Washington Monument towers above the city that bears his name, serving as an awe-inspiring reminder of George Washington’s greatness. The monument, like the man, stands in no one’s shadow. The Washington Monument, designed by Robert Mills and eventually completed by Thomas Casey and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, honors and memorializes George Washington at the center of the nation’s capital. The structure was completed in two phases of construction, one private (1848-1854) and one public (1876-1884). Built in the shape of an Egyptian obelisk, evoking the timelessness of ancient civilizations, the Washington Monument embodies the awe, respect, and gratitude the nation felt for its most essential Founding Father. When completed, the Washington Monument was the tallest building in the world at 555 feet, 5-1/8 inches.

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Continue ReadingThe Washington Monument rises over a caisson at Arlington National Cemetery escorting the remains of a veteran to their final resting place. George Washington’s military and political leadership were indispensable to the founding of the United States. As commander of the Continental Army, he rallied Americans from thirteen divergent states and outlasted Britain’s superior military force. As the first president, Washington’s superb leadership set the standard for each president that has succeeded him. The Washington Monument towers above the city that bears his name, serving as an awe-inspiring reminder of George Washington’s greatness. The monument, like the man, stands in no one’s shadow. The Washington Monument, designed by Robert Mills and eventually completed by Thomas Casey and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, honors and memorializes George Washington at the center of the nation’s capital. The structure was completed in two phases of construction, one private (1848-1854) and one public (1876-1884). Built in the shape of an Egyptian obelisk, evoking the timelessness of ancient civilizations, the Washington Monument embodies the awe, respect, and gratitude the nation felt for its most essential Founding Father. When completed, the Washington Monument was the tallest building in the world at 555 feet, 5-1/8 inches.

The Washington Monument rises over a caisson at Arlington National Cemetery escorting the remains of a veteran to their final resting place. George Washington’s military and political leadership were indispensable to the founding of the United States. As commander of the Continental Army, he rallied Americans from thirteen divergent states and outlasted Britain’s superior military force. As the first president, Washington’s superb leadership set the standard for each president that has succeeded him. The Washington Monument towers above the city that bears his name, serving as an awe-inspiring reminder of George Washington’s greatness. The monument, like the man, stands in no one’s shadow. The Washington Monument, designed by Robert Mills and eventually completed by Thomas Casey and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, honors and memorializes George Washington at the center of the nation’s capital. The structure was completed in two phases of construction, one private (1848-1854) and one public (1876-1884). Built in the shape of an Egyptian obelisk, evoking the timelessness of ancient civilizations, the Washington Monument embodies the awe, respect, and gratitude the nation felt for its most essential Founding Father. When completed, the Washington Monument was the tallest building in the world at 555 feet, 5-1/8 inches.

[igp-video src="" poster="https://www.arlington.media/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/the-washington-monument-rises-over-a-caisson-at-arlington-national-cemetery-escorting-the-remains-of-1.jpg" size="large"]

Continue ReadingThe Washington Monument rises over a caisson at Arlington National Cemetery escorting the remains of a veteran to their final resting place. George Washington’s military and political leadership were indispensable to the founding of the United States. As commander of the Continental Army, he rallied Americans from thirteen divergent states and outlasted Britain’s superior military force. As the first president, Washington’s superb leadership set the standard for each president that has succeeded him. The Washington Monument towers above the city that bears his name, serving as an awe-inspiring reminder of George Washington’s greatness. The monument, like the man, stands in no one’s shadow. The Washington Monument, designed by Robert Mills and eventually completed by Thomas Casey and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, honors and memorializes George Washington at the center of the nation’s capital. The structure was completed in two phases of construction, one private (1848-1854) and one public (1876-1884). Built in the shape of an Egyptian obelisk, evoking the timelessness of ancient civilizations, the Washington Monument embodies the awe, respect, and gratitude the nation felt for its most essential Founding Father. When completed, the Washington Monument was the tallest building in the world at 555 feet, 5-1/8 inches.

Members of the US Air Force Honor Guard carry a casket through Section 25 of Arlington National Cemetery.

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Continue ReadingMembers of the US Air Force Honor Guard carry a casket through Section 25 of Arlington National Cemetery.

Members of the US Air Force Honor Guard carry a casket through Section 25 of Arlington National Cemetery.

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Continue ReadingMembers of the US Air Force Honor Guard carry a casket through Section 25 of Arlington National Cemetery.

The firing of three volleys over the grave of a soldier can be traced back to the Roman Empire. The multiple of three probably was chosen because of the mystical significance of the number three in many ancient civilizations. After the burial rites, the Romans would shout the name of the deceased three times followed by the word “vale”(farewell) to insure that it would never be forgotten. There is also a practice of throwing three spadeful of dirt onto a coffin. The practice of firing volleys may have originated in the old custom of halting the fighting to remove the dead from the battlefield. Once each army had cleared its dead, it would fire three volleys to indicate that deceased soldiers had been cared for and that the army was ready to resume the fight. Although I must admit I have never found a written reference to this ever happening. And I’ve not seen this in any type of manuals. The closest I’ve seen is the call or signal for a parley. The tradition of firing the three volleys at funerals was noted in regulations and manuals. There was no original number of rifles called for in a rifle salute. There are photos of funerals at Arlington in the late 19th century were the entire platoon is firing. In modern-day ceremonies, the fact that the firing party consists of seven riflemen firing three volleys does not constitute a twenty-one gun salute; that is only rendered by cannon firing twenty-one times.

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Continue ReadingThe firing of three volleys over the grave of a soldier can be traced back to the Roman Empire. The multiple of three probably was chosen because of the mystical significance of the number three in many ancient civilizations. After the burial rites, the Romans would shout the name of the deceased three times followed by the word “vale”(farewell) to insure that it would never be forgotten. There is also a practice of throwing three spadeful of dirt onto a coffin. The practice of firing volleys may have originated in the old custom of halting the fighting to remove the dead from the battlefield. Once each army had cleared its dead, it would fire three volleys to indicate that deceased soldiers had been cared for and that the army was ready to resume the fight. Although I must admit I have never found a written reference to this ever happening. And I’ve not seen this in any type of manuals. The closest I’ve seen is the call or signal for a parley. The tradition of firing the three volleys at funerals was noted in regulations and manuals. There was no original number of rifles called for in a rifle salute. There are photos of funerals at Arlington in the late 19th century were the entire platoon is firing. In modern-day ceremonies, the fact that the firing party consists of seven riflemen firing three volleys does not constitute a twenty-one gun salute; that is only rendered by cannon firing twenty-one times.

The firing of three volleys over the grave of a soldier can be traced back to the Roman Empire. The multiple of three probably was chosen because of the mystical significance of the number three in many ancient civilizations. After the burial rites, the Romans would shout the name of the deceased three times followed by the word “vale”(farewell) to insure that it would never be forgotten. There is also a practice of throwing three spadeful of dirt onto a coffin. The practice of firing volleys may have originated in the old custom of halting the fighting to remove the dead from the battlefield. Once each army had cleared its dead, it would fire three volleys to indicate that deceased soldiers had been cared for and that the army was ready to resume the fight. Although I must admit I have never found a written reference to this ever happening. And I’ve not seen this in any type of manuals. The closest I’ve seen is the call or signal for a parley. The tradition of firing the three volleys at funerals was noted in regulations and manuals. There was no original number of rifles called for in a rifle salute. There are photos of funerals at Arlington in the late 19th century were the entire platoon is firing. In modern-day ceremonies, the fact that the firing party consists of seven riflemen firing three volleys does not constitute a twenty-one gun salute; that is only rendered by cannon firing twenty-one times.

[igp-video src="" poster="https://www.arlington.media/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/the-firing-of-three-volleys-over-the-grave-of-a-soldier-can-be-traced-back-to-the-roman-empire.-the-1-1.jpg" size="large"]

Continue ReadingThe firing of three volleys over the grave of a soldier can be traced back to the Roman Empire. The multiple of three probably was chosen because of the mystical significance of the number three in many ancient civilizations. After the burial rites, the Romans would shout the name of the deceased three times followed by the word “vale”(farewell) to insure that it would never be forgotten. There is also a practice of throwing three spadeful of dirt onto a coffin. The practice of firing volleys may have originated in the old custom of halting the fighting to remove the dead from the battlefield. Once each army had cleared its dead, it would fire three volleys to indicate that deceased soldiers had been cared for and that the army was ready to resume the fight. Although I must admit I have never found a written reference to this ever happening. And I’ve not seen this in any type of manuals. The closest I’ve seen is the call or signal for a parley. The tradition of firing the three volleys at funerals was noted in regulations and manuals. There was no original number of rifles called for in a rifle salute. There are photos of funerals at Arlington in the late 19th century were the entire platoon is firing. In modern-day ceremonies, the fact that the firing party consists of seven riflemen firing three volleys does not constitute a twenty-one gun salute; that is only rendered by cannon firing twenty-one times.