CLARKSVILLE, TN – On March 23, 59 Clarksville Academy students and staff gathered at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier to witness the Changing of the Guard ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery.
As a special addition, four students were invited to participate in a US Army Wreath Laying Ceremony. Anna Hellums, Lilly McAlister, Wyatt McQueen and Tanner Wilson represented CA in this special ceremony.
The four students descended the steps, walked onto the plaza where the members of the US Army 3rd Infantry Regiment, or “The Old Guard,” conduct their patrol, presented the wreath bearing Clarksville Academy’s name to be placed before the tomb, and stood for the playing of “Taps.” The wreath remained before the tomb for 24 hours.
Following this powerful ceremony, the students were treated to a rare Q&A in the Memorial Amphitheater with one of the tomb guards, PFC Shea Archer. Students had the opportunity to learn about the process of becoming a member of the 3rd Infantry Regiment, what a typical duty cycle looks like, and what it takes to continually guard the tomb.
The CA delegation returns to Clarksville on Saturday, March 26 after having visited many memorials, monuments, and historic venues in the Washington, D.C. area.