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Sentinels at the Tomb of the Unknowns carry the weight of history, sacrifice

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Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2014

By Brittany Bade

ARLINGTON, Va. – The crowds come and go, but the guards at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier remain, rain or shine, heat or cold, day or night. They pace, turn and pace again – a solemn, and for them, a sacred duty. Every action has symbolism, every march brings inspiration. “Every time you cross that threshold of the chains and actually get on the plaza, it basically feels like the weight of every veteran, of anyone that’s ever served or sacrificed, is on your shoulders,” said Spc. John Arriaga. “And you’re just trying to do your best for them.” That dedication is what draws more than 4 million visitors to Arlington National Cemetery and the tomb.