This ceremony is a must-see if you are in the Washington DC area. I hope that by adding the following description, it doesn’t make it too long to read:

The relief commander conducts a detailed white-glove inspection of the weapon, checking each part of the rifle once. Then, the relief commander and the relieving sentinel meet the retiring sentinel at the center of the matted path in front of the Tomb. All three salute the Unknowns who have been symbolically given the Medal of Honor. Then the relief commander orders the relieved sentinel, "Pass on your orders." The current sentinel commands, "Post and orders, remain as directed." The newly posted sentinel replies, "Orders acknowledged," and steps into position on the black mat. When the relief commander passes by, the new sentinel begins walking at a cadence of 90 steps per minute.

The Tomb Guard marches 21 steps down the black mat behind the Tomb, turns, faces east for 21 seconds, turns and faces north for 21 seconds, then takes 21 steps down the mat and repeats the process. After the turn, the sentinel executes a sharp "shoulder-arms" movement to place the weapon on the shoulder closest to the visitors to signify that the sentinel stands between the Tomb and any possible threat. Twenty-one was chosen because it symbolizes the highest military honor that can be bestowed -- the 21-gun salute.

Duty time when not "walking" is spent in the Tomb Guard Quarters below the Memorial Display Room of the Memorial Amphitheater where they study Cemetery "knowledge," clean their weapons and help the rest of their relief prepare for the Changing of the Guard. The guards also train on their days off.

The Guards of Honor at the Tomb of the Unknowns are highly motivated and are proud to honor all American service members who are "Known But to God."

Merry Christmas everyone...

Changing Of The Guard 1 Changing Of The Guard 2 Changing Of The Guard 3

Changing Of The Guard 4 Changing Of The Guard 5 Changing Of The Guard 6

While in Half Moon Bay on business, I went down to Venice Beach and got these shots. I kind of like them so I thought I would share them with you:
Seagull 1 Seagull 2 Seagull 3 Seagull 4

I'm not sure of the actual name of these wild flowers so I call them Red Canyon Whites and

Mountain Wild Flowers for the place I found them. Anyone know what they really are?

Thought I'd share another Duck Pond and a couple of Duck, (Closer) photos. I tried the closer photo a while back but only ended up showing the thumbnail...

This is a shot as viewed from the historic 1860’s “stage stop” called Fletcher. The stage stop provided service between mining camps like Aurora, Nevada and Bodie, California.

Blue Birds

Chucker

Geese 1

Quail Hiding

Hawk

These old Wagons, Wagon 1, and Wagon 2 are in pretty good shape. This Wagon 3 however has seen better days.

I think this Longhorn 1 thought I was looking at another Longhorn 2 and wanted to take a look...

Winter shots at a local duck pond...

Winter Pond

Frozen Over

You should be able to see the Man in the Moon in this one. His Moon Face profile is looking left...

Fall 2006
Bald Mountain
Cottonwood Ranch
Mt Grant
Mt Grant 2

Concerned Hawk This hawk watched my every move but chose not to fly away...

About the time I got my Canon EOS Digital Rebel, Caitlynn spent the night with Gramma And Grandpa.  I thought maybe I whould try to take a few pictures. Grandma combed her hair and Caitlynn did the posing...

Just learning how to stop action...