“Jaw Dropping”

“Old Guard” soldier Tyler McKee who was photographed placing a small American flag at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier during a severe thunderstorm is drawing notice ahead of Memorial Day.

The 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment, better known as “The Old Guard,” were planting flags at each grave at Arlington when a raging storm broke out.

The Old Guard’s Facebook page posted this description:

Yesterday, torrential rain and drastic wind gusts overcame America’s most hallowed grounds. Visitors ran for cover. News media piled into vehicles together.

The streets flooded. Trees as old as the cemetery itself broke at the trunk and came crashing down. But America’s Regiment endured. They found  low ground and held fast through the wind and the rain. Some had to be to ordered to stand down from planting flags, still determined to continue to honor the fallen.

During the storm, one of the most extraordinary displays of discipline and dedication to duty ever to be witnessed at Arlington National Cemetery was taking place at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

With only a few watching from cover, a Tomb Sentinel approached the Unknowns with U.S. flags in hand. As thunder shook the ground and rains washed down without abandon, the Tomb Sentinel pierced through the elements with breath-taking precision.

He knelt and placed the flags in honor of the Unknowns. For the select few who saw this moment, it was jaw-dropping. Humans have their limits, but The Old Guard has yet to meet theirs.

Incredible!

McKee’s proud mom commented on the Facebook post:

Julie Dabulewicz McKee: Tomb Guard Tyler Mckee you make a mom proud! Thank you for representing those who were there before you and gave their lives for our freedom. Your brother #640 also showed the same honor and respect.

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