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, 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 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: