Taps 150 commemorated today at Arlington National Cemetery

Today Taps 150 commemorated the 150th Anniversary of Taps, our National Song of Remembrance, in the Old Amphitheater (near the Arlington House) at Arlington National Cemetery. Buglers traveled from all across the US to attend this event. I'm working on the video of all of these volunteers as they played Taps in unison this morning. Actually played twice in two different keys.

Bagpipe Player concludes memorial service at Arlington National Cemetery

                   Bagpipe Player concludes memorial service at Arlington National Cemetery

Navy admirals preceding funeral caisson.

Navy admirals preceding funeral caisson at Arlington National Cemetery

Space Shuttle Discovery on final flight over Potomac River above Washington DC

A personal salute and goodbye at Arlington National Cemetery

Memorial service for a very well respected Navy commander who died while performing an act as a good samaritan.

Tomb of the Unknowns, The Sentinels who guard the monument at Arlington National Cemetery

There are only about 675 soldiers who have acted as sentinels guarding the Tomb of the Unknowns at Arlington National Cemetery. Today was a special day for this elite society as there number increased by three. I had the priviledge of photographing the swearing in ceremony of three new sentinels at the Tomb Chapel. This is a very important event for the soldiers, their family members able to attend and the Old Guard. The Sentinel badge is one of the rarest honors in the US army and now held by three more men willing to "walk the mat" guarding the tomb with 21 other members 24 hours a day seven days a week.

I will post more pictures and details about the sentinels over the coming week.

Cherry Blossoms during Marine Corp Memorial Service at Arlington National Cemetery with Old Guard Caisson

Rainy Day at the Columbarium, Arlington National Cemetery

Boots, spurs and hooves, members of Old Guard cassion team

Fall Colors in the Rain at Arlington National Cemetery

Firing Party at Arlington National Cemetery The command "Fire"

Bugler preparing to play Taps at Arlington National Cemetery last week.

Although it's the first week of January there are still some areas of the cemetery where the Christmas wreaths are providing color to the winter scene.