# What would happen if a tourist (or worse) got disrespectful at the Tomb of the Unknowns (Arlington)? **URL:** \ **Category:** Factual Questions\ **Created:** [November 9, 2011, 4:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-would-happen-if-a-tourist-or-worse-got-disrespectful-at-the-tomb-of-the-unknowns-arlington/602363 "2011-11-09T04:37:06Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 4
**Author:** ![Elendil\_s\_Heir](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/7cd45c/32.png) [@Elendil\_s\_Heir](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Elendil_s_Heir)\ **Post date:** [November 15, 2011, 1:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-would-happen-if-a-tourist-or-worse-got-disrespectful-at-the-tomb-of-the-unknowns-arlington/602363/61 "2011-11-15T01:44:55Z")
> [@Acsenray](#): > > …Furthermore, the suggestion by some in this that members of the U.S. Army might resort to potentially injurious or even deadly uses of force is alarming, **disproportionate, and reflects a lack of a sense of proportion** … (emphasis added) You can say that again! ---
**Author:** ![robert\_columbia](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/e79b87/32.png) [@robert\_columbia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/robert_columbia)\ **Post date:** [November 15, 2011, 1:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-would-happen-if-a-tourist-or-worse-got-disrespectful-at-the-tomb-of-the-unknowns-arlington/602363/62 "2011-11-15T01:47:15Z")
> [@Elendil\_s\_Heir](#): > > You can say that again! AOL! ---
**Author:** ![Clothahump](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/51bf81/32.png) [@Clothahump](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Clothahump)\ **Post date:** [November 16, 2011, 5:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-would-happen-if-a-tourist-or-worse-got-disrespectful-at-the-tomb-of-the-unknowns-arlington/602363/63 "2011-11-16T17:36:20Z")
Suppose a civilian wanted to lay a wreath at the Tomb. Does anyone know the procedure for this? Would they approach the standing guard and ask permission, or would they approach the cemetary management or possibly the guard detail station? I would imagine that the detail station would be the way to go, but I’m just curious. ---
**Author:** ![Dave.B](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/9f8e36/32.png) [@Dave.B](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dave.B)\ **Post date:** [November 16, 2011, 7:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-would-happen-if-a-tourist-or-worse-got-disrespectful-at-the-tomb-of-the-unknowns-arlington/602363/64 "2011-11-16T19:14:44Z")
> [@Acsenray](#): > > No, I know perfectly well what it means. > > A: “Sometimes people laugh because they have an uncontrollable urge to laugh, not because they intend to disturb other people’s notions of propriety.” > > B: “There are social notions of propriety that demand that people don’t laugh.” > > B is a non sequitur in the sense that it completely fails to address A in any meaningful or logical sense. OK, I wasn’t trying address any kind of point as I thought it was obvious. There are plenty of places in this world where a respectful mood is appropriate and/or demanded. If you are physically unable to observe that, removing yourself from the vicinity would seem like an ideal solution to the problem, rather than waiting to be forcibly removed by the authorities. Ruining things for everyone else is just ignorant and selfish. ---
**Author:** ![Elendil\_s\_Heir](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/7cd45c/32.png) [@Elendil\_s\_Heir](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Elendil_s_Heir)\ **Post date:** [November 16, 2011, 9:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-would-happen-if-a-tourist-or-worse-got-disrespectful-at-the-tomb-of-the-unknowns-arlington/602363/65 "2011-11-16T21:13:18Z")
> [@Clothahump](#): > > Suppose a civilian wanted to lay a wreath at the Tomb. Does anyone know the procedure for this? Would they approach the standing guard and ask permission, or would they approach the cemetary management or possibly the guard detail station? I would imagine that the detail station would be the way to go, but I’m just curious. The President, Vice President and other dignitaries do that from time to time. Joe Schmoe off the street would probably want to write to Arlington officials well in advance, but I suspect he’d be refused. If they let him, they’d have to let others. They’re probably not going to want to deal with an endless parade of well-meaning wreath-layers. ---
**Author:** ![Cyberhwk](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/7993a0/32.png) [@Cyberhwk](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cyberhwk)\ **Post date:** [November 17, 2011, 3:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-would-happen-if-a-tourist-or-worse-got-disrespectful-at-the-tomb-of-the-unknowns-arlington/602363/66 "2011-11-17T03:45:20Z")
I believe they do wreathing ceremonies regularly. We just lucked into seeing one in April and I’m pretty sure they were just some High School kids on a field trip. It was actually pretty funny. They did the changing ceremony while the guard held his stoic posture. Soldier then starts walking up the steps to the kids holding the wreath, stops and stares at them…then slowly lets this huge grin come across his face as he comes out of character to explain to the kids how it’s going to work. ---
**Author:** ![What\_the](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/f4b2a3/32.png) [@What\_the](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/What_the)\ **Post date:** [November 17, 2011, 12:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-would-happen-if-a-tourist-or-worse-got-disrespectful-at-the-tomb-of-the-unknowns-arlington/602363/67 "2011-11-17T12:36:30Z")
I was reprimanded for walking bare foot in Arlington once. ---
**Author:** ![Elendil\_s\_Heir](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/7cd45c/32.png) [@Elendil\_s\_Heir](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Elendil_s_Heir)\ **Post date:** [November 17, 2011, 2:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-would-happen-if-a-tourist-or-worse-got-disrespectful-at-the-tomb-of-the-unknowns-arlington/602363/68 "2011-11-17T14:39:08Z")
> [@What\_the](#): > > I was reprimanded for walking bare foot in Arlington once. On or near the Tomb, or elsewhere? ---
**Author:** ![UncleRojelio](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/unclerojelio/32/3160_2.png) [@UncleRojelio](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/UncleRojelio)\ **Post date:** [November 17, 2011, 5:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-would-happen-if-a-tourist-or-worse-got-disrespectful-at-the-tomb-of-the-unknowns-arlington/602363/69 "2011-11-17T17:44:26Z")
> [@Elendil\_s\_Heir](#): > > The President, Vice President and other dignitaries do that from time to time. Joe Schmoe off the street would probably want to write to Arlington officials well in advance, but I suspect he’d be refused. If they let him, they’d have to let others. They’re probably not going to want to deal with an endless parade of well-meaning wreath-layers. There is a video on YouTube of some kids that had permission to lay a wreath at the tomb but were refused when they showed up dressed inappropriately. They had button up shirts (no tie), khaki pants and sneakers. The NCO in charge of the guards is heard saying that, at that point, it is his call and he declared that they would not be laying a wreath dressed as they were. I’d find the link but I’m at work now. ---
**Author:** ![running\_coach](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/running_coach/32/15836_2.png) [@running\_coach](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/running_coach)\ **Post date:** [November 17, 2011, 5:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-would-happen-if-a-tourist-or-worse-got-disrespectful-at-the-tomb-of-the-unknowns-arlington/602363/70 "2011-11-17T17:52:23Z")
[Kid not allowed to lay wreath.](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4V9M-dqqCXI&feature=related) ---
**Author:** ![What\_the](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/f4b2a3/32.png) [@What\_the](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/What_the)\ **Post date:** [November 18, 2011, 2:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-would-happen-if-a-tourist-or-worse-got-disrespectful-at-the-tomb-of-the-unknowns-arlington/602363/71 "2011-11-18T14:52:05Z")
> [@Elendil\_s\_Heir](#): > > On or near the Tomb, or elsewhere? Just in the grass among the headstones. I slipped off and was carrying my flip-flops. ---
**Author:** ![Elendil\_s\_Heir](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/7cd45c/32.png) [@Elendil\_s\_Heir](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Elendil_s_Heir)\ **Post date:** [November 26, 2012, 2:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-would-happen-if-a-tourist-or-worse-got-disrespectful-at-the-tomb-of-the-unknowns-arlington/602363/72 "2012-11-26T14:00:57Z")
If you’re going to be disrespectful at Arlington, even as a gag, at least have the brains not to put it on your Facebook page: [http://www.thewrap.com/media/column-post/woman-flipping-unknown-soldier-tomb-goes-viral-may-get-her-fired-65926](http://www.thewrap.com/media/column-post/woman-flipping-unknown-soldier-tomb-goes-viral-may-get-her-fired-65926) ---
**Author:** ![Sailboat](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/sailboat/32/461_2.png) [@Sailboat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sailboat)\ **Post date:** [November 26, 2012, 5:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-would-happen-if-a-tourist-or-worse-got-disrespectful-at-the-tomb-of-the-unknowns-arlington/602363/73 "2012-11-26T17:11:17Z")
> [@](#): > > OBVIOUSLY we meant NO disrespect to people that serve or have served our country. Look, lady, “obviously” does not mean what you think it means. ---
**Author:** ![Acsenray](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/acsenray/32/4519_2.png) [@Acsenray](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Acsenray)\ **Post date:** [November 26, 2012, 5:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-would-happen-if-a-tourist-or-worse-got-disrespectful-at-the-tomb-of-the-unknowns-arlington/602363/74 "2012-11-26T17:14:06Z")
Wow, recreational outrage leads to potential job loss? Mob psychology is scary. ---
**Author:** ![MPB\_in\_Salt\_Lake](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/c0e974/32.png) [@MPB\_in\_Salt\_Lake](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MPB_in_Salt_Lake)\ **Post date:** [November 26, 2012, 5:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-would-happen-if-a-tourist-or-worse-got-disrespectful-at-the-tomb-of-the-unknowns-arlington/602363/75 "2012-11-26T17:18:34Z")
> [@Acsenray](#): > > Wow, recreational outrage leads to potential job loss? Mob psychology is scary. I might agree had she not been at a work-sponsored function at the time. ---
**Author:** ![Acsenray](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/acsenray/32/4519_2.png) [@Acsenray](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Acsenray)\ **Post date:** [November 26, 2012, 5:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-would-happen-if-a-tourist-or-worse-got-disrespectful-at-the-tomb-of-the-unknowns-arlington/602363/76 "2012-11-26T17:24:39Z")
> [@MPB\_in\_Salt\_Lake](#): > > I might agree had she not been at a work-sponsored function at the time. So because you are on a work-sponsored outing to a historical site – a national park – you must stand around po-faced and respectful or face employment consequences? Either you’re on the job or you aren’t. And if being on a work-sponsored outing means you are on the job, then that’s an argument for work-sponsored outings being a bad idea. ---
**Author:** ![Morgenstern](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/f9ae1b/32.png) [@Morgenstern](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Morgenstern)\ **Post date:** [November 26, 2012, 5:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-would-happen-if-a-tourist-or-worse-got-disrespectful-at-the-tomb-of-the-unknowns-arlington/602363/77 "2012-11-26T17:29:27Z")
> [@Si\_Amigo](#): > > You would be lucky if the guard broke character. It’s his character to shoot you if his post is challenged. :eek: From the linked wiki article. - Tomb Guards currently carry M14 rifles, which are unloaded and affixed to ceremonial rifle stocks (hand-made by Tomb Guards). These rifles are cleaned daily and kept ready for use at all times.[22]\* Kind of hard to shoot anyone. ---
**Author:** ![Acsenray](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/acsenray/32/4519_2.png) [@Acsenray](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Acsenray)\ **Post date:** [November 26, 2012, 5:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-would-happen-if-a-tourist-or-worse-got-disrespectful-at-the-tomb-of-the-unknowns-arlington/602363/78 "2012-11-26T17:33:02Z")
> [@Morgenstern](#): > > From the linked wiki article. > > - > > Tomb Guards currently carry M14 rifles, which are unloaded and affixed to ceremonial rifle stocks (hand-made by Tomb Guards). These rifles are cleaned daily and kept ready for use at all times.[22]\* > > Kind of hard to shoot anyone. And even if the guns were loaded, I’m sure they are not instructed to shoot people messing around at a ceremony. As many Youtube videos show, they have ways of dealing with disruptions far short of shooting. ---
**Author:** ![Monty](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/monty/32/47_2.png) [@Monty](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Monty)\ **Post date:** [November 26, 2012, 5:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-would-happen-if-a-tourist-or-worse-got-disrespectful-at-the-tomb-of-the-unknowns-arlington/602363/79 "2012-11-26T17:44:13Z")
Retired military checking in here: I think the whole idea of having a military guard there is asinine. Need to guard the place? Hire a guard. That’d be a blame sight cheaper and more practical than the ritual created for the spectacle at just those graves. They died in war just as those soldiers whose names are known did. I don’t see anyone making sure nobody laughs in front of the other graves there. And it’s total BS that lady got hounded for her stunt. Not that I believe her BS “explanation” either, but as mentioned upthread, it’s supposed to be a free country. Personally, I think it’s just plain good sense to be courteous in anyone’s cemetery. Doesn’t mean I think it has to be forced at gunpoint or at the threat of losing one’s livelihood. ---
**Author:** ![MPB\_in\_Salt\_Lake](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/c0e974/32.png) [@MPB\_in\_Salt\_Lake](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MPB_in_Salt_Lake)\ **Post date:** [November 26, 2012, 5:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-would-happen-if-a-tourist-or-worse-got-disrespectful-at-the-tomb-of-the-unknowns-arlington/602363/80 "2012-11-26T17:44:20Z")
> [@Acsenray](#): > > And if being on a work-sponsored outing means you are on the job, then that’s an argument for work-sponsored outings being a bad idea. Or at least an argument for this particular woman to no longer remain employed by that particular employer. Say someone who had never heard of the company involved is looking around the internet trying to find an appropriate firm who provides whatever service that they specialize in, and during the course of their research they somehow come upon this so-called (admittedly trivial) controversy. Assuming there are a dozen other companies in competition for their contract, all with similar profiles and reviews, are they more or less likely to want to do business with this particular outfit after seeing this story? [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-would-happen-if-a-tourist-or-worse-got-disrespectful-at-the-tomb-of-the-unknowns-arlington/602363.md?page=3) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-would-happen-if-a-tourist-or-worse-got-disrespectful-at-the-tomb-of-the-unknowns-arlington/602363.md?page=5)