Students can witness one of the most somber and moving traditions in the United States at Arlington National Cemetery, just across the Potomac River: the Changing of the Guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. For many, it becomes the most memorable hour spent in Washington, D.C.
What Is the Ceremony?
Since 1937, the Tomb has been guarded without interruption by the U.S. Army’s 3rd Infantry Regiment, known as “The Old Guard.” Rain or shine, heatwave or snowstorm, the guard is there. The ritual marks the transfer of duty from one sentinel to another, and every detail—from the click of heels to the turn of a rifle—is steeped in symbolism.
The Ritual Explained
The guard walks 21 steps across the black mat, pauses for 21 seconds while facing east, and then again for 21 seconds while facing north before turning and repeating the sequence. The number 21 reflects the highest honor given to a soldier: the 21-gun salute. During the inspection of the relieving guard’s uniform and weapon, precision reflects respect, discipline, and the pursuit of perfection.
Why It Moves Students
The ceremony is an eye-opener for middle schoolers. The stillness of the crowd, the precision of each step, and the unbroken tradition convey deep respect. Students often leave with a new understanding of sacrifice—that countless men and women served, many of whom remain unknown but never forgotten.
Lessons Beyond the Ceremony
- Symbolism in Action: Teachers can encourage students to reflect on why societies create rituals and how they preserve memory.
- Educational Value: The Tomb honors unidentified soldiers from multiple wars, providing a poignant lesson on the cost of freedom.
- Shared Experience: Witnessing the ceremony together fosters mutual respect and thoughtful discussion.
Tips for Visiting
- Arrive Early: The grandstand fills quickly, especially in summer when rotations occur every half hour.
- Model Respect: Prepare students for the silence expected during the ceremony.
- Stay for Extras: Many services include wreath-laying ceremonies that add even greater meaning.
The Changing of the Guard is more than a ceremony; it is a living lesson in honor, sacrifice, and tradition. For students, it offers an unforgettable chance to see history embodied in a way no textbook can capture. It reminds us that freedom carries a price, owed not only to those we remember by name but also to those who remain forever unknown.
Give your students the chance to experience one of America’s most powerful traditions. With Student Adventures, your class can take part in the honor and reflection of Arlington’s Changing of the Guard. Begin planning at StudentAdventures.org.