Three years ago, for the first time since the original interment, the public was invited to leave flowers the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Under ordinary circumstances, only a select few are allowed to lay wreaths there as part of a ceremony (RSP)
A huge number of people showed up to take part (RSP)
The tomb did not remain unguarded – the sentinels simply marched on the other side of the tomb. (RSP)
The change took place off to the side as well (RSP)
There were so many flowers left that every so often, the proceedings had to be stopped to allow the sentinels to move flowers around to make more space (RSP)
Photography was not permitted while laying the flowers (RSP)
My friend Richard Robinson awaits his turn to lay a flower. Since these pictures were taken, there have been two further opportunities to leave flowers, on Memorial Day 2023 and 2024, so it is quite possible that this will become the new tradition. (RSP)
