The Tomb Of the Unknown Soldier continues to be a highly regarded monument that is expected to be given nothing but the highest of respects.
Unveiled in 1921, this monument is dedicated to service members whose remains could not be identified, including those who served in World War I, World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War.
The emotional weight such a monument carries is tremendous. Honoring soldiers this way is beyond a doubt one of the most respectful things you’ll ever see, which is also why it is guarded 24 hours a day, seven days a week regardless of the weather.
Acting in a respectful manner is expected when you visit the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. However, not everyone acts in that way. In a video clip shot by a tourist, we are able to watch a soldier guard the Tomb. Unfortunately in the background, we are also able to hear loud laughter and various sounds of tomfoolery during this mandated time of silence and respect.
This act of clear disrespect did not sit too well with the guard, who abruptly halted his routine to firmly and directly tell the rowdy audience members to zip it!
He stops marching, turns around and loudly says, “It is requested that everyone maintains a level of silence and respect.”
Pure silence spread throughout the monument. The guard, clearly upset with the lack of order he received, waited a few silent seconds before resuming the sacred routine.
Another instance, which we feel is much worse, was captured on video in 2016.
During a wreath-placing ceremony, two teens were selected to help the guards, who are also known as “Sentinels.” After the wreath was placed in front of the tomb, “Taps” was played with everyone at attention.
The teens and the Sentinels marched away once the song was over, but everyone else remained silent and still. That is until you see a woman step over the roped-off area to the right of the tomb, essentially trespassing!
“It is requested that all visitors stay behind the chain rails at all times,” one Sentinel yelled while marching towards her.
It took her a second, but she did walk back behind the chain rail she had shimmied past.
How do you think the guard handled the situation? Watch it all go down in the video below.