N.Y. cadets lay wreath at Tomb of the Unknowns

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(From left) Cadet Senior Master Sgt. Julia McMaster, Cadet Staff Sgt. Justin Smith, Cadet Chief Master Sgt. Anthony Natale, Cadet Capt. Eric Reese, Cadet Chief Master Sgt. Robert Burns, Cadet Senior Airman Carlos Rodriguez, Cadet Tech. Sgt. Jack Margeson, Cadet Staff Sgt. Thomas Mahoney, Cadet Senior Airman Charlotte Dasson and Cadet Lt. Col. Thomas Jacobs stand in line at Arlington National Cemetery.

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Cadet Capt. Eric Reese (left) and Cadet Lt. Col. Thomas Jacobs march ahead of Cadet Chief Master Sgt. Robert Burns and Cadet Senior Master Sgt. Julia McMaster, then place the wreath.

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(From left) Cadet Chief Master Sgt. Robert Burns, Cadet Senior Master Sgt. Julia McMaster, Cadet Capt. Eric Reese and Cadet Lt. Col. Thomas Jacobs flank a tomb guard.

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Cadet Lt. Col. Thomas Jacobs, Cadet Staff Sgt. Thomas Mahoney, Cadet Chief Master Sgt. Anthony Natale, Cadet Tech. Sgt. Jack Margeson, Cadet Capt. Eric Reese, Cadet Senior Airmen Charlotte Dasson and Carlos Rodriguez, Cadet Chief Master Sgt. Robert Burns and Cadet Senior Master Sgt. Julia McMaster in the amphitheater at Arlington National Cemetery.

Photos by Maj. Laurie Rocco, New York Wing

Cadet Chief Master Sgt. Robert Burns
Cadet Lt. Col. Thomas Jacobs
Rochester Composite Squadron
New York Wing

NEW YORK – Cadets from the Rochester Composite Squadron had the rare opportunity Aug. 18 to take part in a sacred ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery -- the laying of a memorial wreath at the Tomb of the Unknowns.

As the time for the changing of the guard ceremony approached, the cadets were constantly checking their uniforms to ensure they looked pristine when they advanced to the tomb, where they would occupy a spot were presidents, members of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, foreign heads of state and other dignitaries have solemnly stood.

As the changing of the guard commenced, four of the cadets – Cadet Lt. Col. Thomas Jacobs, Cadet Capt. Eric Reese, Cadet Chief Master Sgt. Robert Burns and Cadet Senior Master Sgt. Julia McMaster –advanced to the top of the tomb area and proceeded to the center of the platform to lay the wreath and convey a message of thanks for those who so willingly gave their lives in defense of freedom.

Once the wreath was in place, the somber melody known as taps played, concluding the ceremony.

Every day of the year, rain or shine, sentinels guard the Tomb of the Unknowns with the utmost discipline and self-control.

N.Y. cadets lay wreath at Tomb of the Unknowns

September 6, 2012