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CBS America

An Army sergeant's final steps at Tomb of the Unknown Soldier

CBS America · Just In
CBS America
CBS America
Just In

At the age of 39, Tomb Guard Sgt. 1st Class Andrew Jay has taken his final steps at Arlington National Cemetery's Tomb of the Unknown Soldier - a solemn moment of passage he chose to share with his 8-year-old son.

Breakdown
  • President Trump visited Arlington National Cemetery on Veterans Day, placing a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
  • Sergeant First Class Andrew Jay has guarded the tomb for two years, serving in honor of America's unidentified, lost, and missing soldiers. 18s
  • Jay described guarding the tomb as the hardest job he has undertaken in 17 years of Army service, including two tours in Afghanistan. 40s
  • The ceremonial walk at the tomb is performed with 21 steps and 21 second pauses, symbolizing the 21 gun salute. 1m 6s
  • At age 39, Jay completed his final walk at the tomb, marking the moment with his 8-year-old son, Finn. 1m 18s
Military & Conflict