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CAO Summer Enrichment Program

CAO Camp Kids Lay Wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier

A Capitol Experience, Summer Enrichment Program
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On July 28, campers at the CAO's Summer Enrichment Program learned first-hand about the sacrifice our military men and women have paid in service to our country by laying a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, which is also known as the Tomb of the Unknowns, in the Arlington National Cemetery.

The kids got to see the Changing of the Guard ceremony.

"During the day in summer months, from March 15 to September 30, the guard is changed every half hour. During the winter months, from October 1 to March 14, the guard is changed every hour. After the cemetery closes to the public, the guard is changed every two hours until the cemetery reopens.

The guard change is very symbolic and is conducted in accordance with Army regulations. The relief commander or assistant relief commander, along with the oncoming guard, are both required for a guard change to take place. The guard being relieved will say to the oncoming guard, "Post and orders remain as directed." The oncoming guard's response is always, "Orders Acknowledged." A guard change takes approximately 10 minutes. The ceremony can be witnessed by the public whenever Arlington National Cemetery is open."*

*Source: wikipedia.org