Hamilton Township Mayor Kelly Yaede and a contingency of township Veteran’s traveled to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia Aug. 15.
Hamilton Township Patriotic Committee president retired Col. Frank Caprario, a World War II veteran, accompanied Yaede as she placed a memorial wreath at the Tomb of the Unknowns in between the Changing of the Guard Ritual.
“It was an honor and a very moving experience to place a memorial wreath on such hallowed grounds; and I was equally honored to place the wreath along with Hamilton World War II Veteran Col. Frank Caprario,” Yaede said in a statement. “Our community and our nation owe a great debt of gratitude to all those who have worn the uniform in defense of our freedom, and especially those who made the ultimate sacrifice for all of us.”
A contingency of Hamilton veterans and township officials traveled to the cemetery thanks to the efforts of Mayor Yaede and trip sponsors — the Sorce Company, Starr Tours and Fred & Pete’s Deli & Catering. The memorial wreath used in the ceremony was generously donated by Petal Pushers, Inc. florists of Hamilton.
Following the placement of the memorial wreath and a formal salute, a military bugler played “Taps” before the next changing of the guard.
The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier was established in 1921. The Unknown Soldiers that were laid to rest at the Tomb – from World War I, World War II, and the Korean War – represent all missing and unknown service members who made the ultimate sacrifice. A tomb crypt also exists for the Vietnam War Unknown; however it has been determined that the crypt will remain vacant.
The Tomb of the Unknowns is solemnly protected by Tomb Guards and has been guarded daily – 24 hours a day, seven days a week – since 1937. U.S. Army’s official ceremonial unit, the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment — also known at the The Old Guard — has maintained a 24-hour vigil at the tomb since 1948.
While guarding the Tomb, soldiers take 21 steps to symbolizing the highest military honor, the 21-gun salute, then stop on the 21st step, change their weapon to the outside shoulder, and begin another 21 step walk across the Tomb of the Unknowns. The procedure is repeated until the guard is relieved. The Changing of the Guard Ritual occurs every thirty minutes from April 1 to Sept. 30 of each year and every hour from Oct. 1 to March 31.
Following the ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery, the contingency of veterans and officials traveled to the World War II Memorial, located on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. The memorial, which is the only memorial of a 20th century event on the National Mall’s central axis, opened in 2004 in honor of the 16 million who served in the United States Armed Forces during World War II, as well as the more than 400,000 who lost their lives through the war and citizens who supported the war effort from home.
Hamilton Township Mayor Kelly Yaede and retired Col. Frank Caprario pay their respects at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetary Aug. 15, 2014.,
