I had to share this moving video of the final march of the 41st Sergeant of the Guard, Sgt. 1st Class Andrew Jay. As a military history nut, one of my favorite (and repeated) experiences is watching the changing of the Guard at Arlington. The precision, dignity, and respect of the ceremony should be witnessed by every American. Since 1948, the U.S. Army’s 3rd Infantry Regiment “The Old Guard” has guarded the Tomb 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. This was the final march of the 41st Sergeant of the Guard and it was especially moving as Jay walked his son from this sacred place.
Tomb Guard Sgt. 1st Class Andrew Jay made his last “walk” on June 25, 2025 after 29 months on duty at Arlington. After the changing of the guard, Jay retrieved roses from Sgt. Kaylee Johnston to place before the base of the Tomb with the Unknown Soldier from World War I.He then laid a rose at each crypt that honors the Unknowns from World War II, the Korean War and the Vietnam War.
However, before laying the roses, he stopped to kneel before his son Finn and give him a small toy and say something in his ear. As Finn wiped away tears, Jay then delivered the roses to each tomb. He then returned and walked hand-in-hand with his son Finn from the plaza for his last time as Sergeant of the Guard.
Recently, a Gallup report showed that patriotism in the United States had fallen to a record low. Only 41% of adults say they are extremely proud to be an American, while 17% are very proud to be an American, a nine-point drop from last year. The sharpest decline is among Democratic voters.
I wish those wavering citizens would watch this video and visit Arlington. Watching Sgt. Jay and his son Finn walk from the Plaza gave me not simply great pride but hope for this country.
Here is the video:
I love this. I don’t know where it stems from, but I’ve always been drawn to the military’s storied traditions, honors and ceremonies. Including the old Crossing the Line and CPO Initiation ceremonies. 🫡😁
I attended the funeral of my uncle at Arlington – very moving. Thank you for this incredible post. It recalls the sacrifices of so many men in so many conflicts to protect freedom. May they rest in the arms of God.
It brought tears to your eyes. Beautiful honoring our fallen soldiers and those who serve to honor them.
It brought tears to my eyes too! Beautiful!
I see these daily and love watching them. I saw the original on the 25th. Very moving especially when he walks away with his son.
Outstanding. Very moving and an honorable homage to the those who have served and especially to those who gave the “Last Full Measure of Devotion”. My father is not at Arlington but rests at the Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery in San
Antonio. A tough day in 2007 when he was laid to rest but proud to have been his son.
My compliments to the Professor for this incredible video.
My father in law was a U.S. Army Sergeant . He fought on Saipan 1944- 1945. I took him on an Honor Flight from DFW- DC. Every brach of the WWII services was on that plane. We got to see exactly what Jonathan shared with us. Humbling.
That was AWESOME!
Thank you for sharing. If you don’t get it, you don’t get it.
Thank you Jonathan. I shared it several days ago. Very special moment. Thank you Sargent Jay.
Thank you professor for posting that. Truly moving. Thank you to Sgt. 1st Class Jay and all others who have carried out this honored duty.
The problem with polling Americans on patriotism is that the word means totally different things to different people. In the midst of a conflict with a universally condemned adversary, there is a patriotic fervor in virtually any country. but in this country I believe we are genetically isolationists, based on our origins of wanting to be left alone. we rise up for things such as the revolutionary war against Great Britain and then we have to be dragged kicking and screaming into conflicts in Europe. I personally think that’s as it should be. this most recent memorial Day I wrote something, coming from my POV as an anti-war veteran:
“The older I become, the more Memorial Day saddens me. Primarily due to the militaristic declarations of patriotism which appear all too frequently in my news feed. Yes, especially as a combat veteran myself, I absolutely honor and memorialize those who have died in defense of our nation over the centuries. I simply believe that they would want us to use the lessons of their sacrifices to forge peace and not wage more war. May Their Memories Be Eternal!”
When did you serve and in what branch?
US Army.
57th medical det. (Dustoff) (NAM) 1971
Thank you for your service.
Delta Co 1st Bn 3rd Marines Vietnam 66-67. 0311 rifleman, 0331 machine gunner. Stayed in the Marine reserves until retiring. Received a direct commission as an 0302 Infantry Officer and commanded a rifle company when my reserve battalion was called up in support of Desert Shield/Storm. I have been battling two Agent Orange cancers for 18 years. Retired attorney. Years of service 1966 – 2002.
I have lost count of how many times, I have watched the changing of the guard. Each time , I learn something new. I am extremely proud to be an American. US. Army, retired.
Thank you, Sergeant Jay, and thank you, Jonathan.
God Bless America!
Beautiful. Thank you for sharing this.
This was very moving. Thank you, Sergeant 1st Class Andrew Jay! 🇺🇸🦅God Bless You & thank you for your duty! 🦅🇺🇸
meanwhile Democrats wonder why there aren’t LGBTQ flags everywhere!
Republicans love America
Democrats are fighting a CIVIL WAR against it!
Outstanding, Professor. That is about as moving a video of the ceremony as one could imagine. One wonders if it would be allowed in a public school in, say, Washington, DC, Baltimore or NYC.
Nicely done. Thanks Sgt. Jay
So proud of how we honor and remember even the unknown members of our military.
Very proud to be a first generation American 🇺🇸