Honoring Unknown Soldiers Around the World

On May 28, 2020May 28, 2020 By Isobar ExpeditionsIn England, France, Greece, Italy, Washington DCLeave a comment

Tributes to fallen soldiers can be found throughout the world and they are often somber and sobering experiences. Memorials to unknown soldiers are particularly impactful and are often accompanied with special ceremonies. The tradition started at the end of WWI with both England and France creating their own versions of the tombs. Although there are ones in other countries such as Canada, Egypt, Belgium, and Iraq, we have had the opportunity to see this fitting tributes in the United States, France, Greece, Italy, and England. It is important to remember the sacrifices made by those who gave their lives to provide the freedom that we all hold precious.

Guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in the Arlington Cemetery

John F. Kennedy Eternal Flame at the National Cemetery

Arlington Cemetery – Located in Northern Virginia, just across the Potomac river from Washington DC, is Arlington Cemetery. It is the site of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier as well and is also the final resting place for thousands of veterans and the location of the Eternal Flame that sits at the head of John F. Kennedy’s grave. Seeing the changing of the guards is truly a fascinating experience and is a great honor for the soldiers who participate.

Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and Eternal Flame Beneath the Arc de Triomphe

Arc de Triomphe – Sitting in the heart of Paris, France is the Arc de Triomphe and located underneath the arc is the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier from WWI and the eternal flame that burns in the memory of those who died and were never identified. We happened to visit on a cold and rainy day, which almost added to the mood that the memorial invokes. With all of the major avenues leading to the arc, it is a fitting location for such a tribute.

Tomb of the Unknown Soldier Below the Goddess Roma

Altare della Patria – At the base of a statue of the Goddess Roma at the Altare della Patria in Rome, Italy can be found the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and the eternal flame. Translated to the Altar of the Fatherland is also the location of a museum and a viewing platform on its roof with spectacular views of the city. It is certainly an awe inspiring location to visit in a city with such a rich history.

Syntagma Square – Located in the square just outside of the Parliament building in Athens, Greece is the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. At 11:00 am daily, there is the changing of the guards, but if you want the full pageantry that the ceremony has to offer, you should attend on Sunday when it is more colorful and elaborate. It is an experience that will not soon be forgotten as the soldiers make dramatic motions as they march into their locations.

Westminster Abbey – Inside of Westminster Abbey in London, England is the Tomb of the Unknown Warrior. The grave is covered with a black marble stone that has an inscription by the Dean of Westminster engraved with brass that was melted down from ammunition on it. We were not able to take photographs inside of the abbey, so we don’t have any images to share of this particular tomb.

All of these monuments are well worth visiting, especially if there is a significant ceremony at the location. Each of them have many similarities, but are also unique in their own ways. We definitely recommend putting them on your itinerary when visiting any of these locations.

Changing of the Guards at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Athens, Greece

On April 6, 2018 By Isobar ExpeditionsIn Greece1 Comment

If you are in Athens on a Sunday, you should definitely make your way to the Syntagma Square at 11:00 am for the changing of the guards. Although the changing of the guards happens every day at 11:00, the performance on Sunday has more participants and more elaborate uniforms. There can be large crowds, so you might want to arrive a little early to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, which sits in the square outside of the Parliament Building and the Presidential Mansion.

Start of the Ceremonial Changing of the Guards

Honoring the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier

The guards are part of a special military unit called the Evzones and are carefully chosen for the honor to participate based upon their height, fitness, and character. Prior to the start of the ceremonial changing, the guards stand perfectly still and emotionless, very similar to the guards at Buckingham Palace in London. The guards make very dramatic, synchronized movements as the new guards trade places with the previous guards. The special uniforms that the guards where adds to the pageantry of the performance, which is beautiful and somber at the same time.

Having had the opportunity to see both the changing of the guards in London as well as at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington Cemetery outside of Washington D.C., it was definitely an experience that rivaled either of those, although they are very different. If you have the opportunity to see this very unique ceremony, it will be an experience that you will always remember. There is something truly special about watching members of the military honoring those soldiers who have given their lives to protect their native lands.

Changing of the Guards at Buckingham Palace

Native American Dance – A Magical Experience

On January 29, 2016 By Isobar ExpeditionsIn Colorado4 Comments

We’ve been fortunate to see Native American dances a couple of times during our travels throughout Colorado. The first was actually when the kids were very young and we went to the Manitou Cliff Dwellings. The other was when we were in the four corners area, which also provides you the opportunity to buy jewelry and other souvenirs that help to support members of that tribe’s reservation. The beautiful thing about Native American dance is that each dance has a special meaning, whether for prayer, mythology, telling a story, or celebration. Each dance can be accompanied by beating drums, the whistle of a flute, the chanting of the tribe members, or even bells and rattles. (Sorry for the quality of the pictures, they were from pre-digital days.)

As the drums begin to play, it is as if your heart falls in rhythm to each beat as the dancers began their graceful movements. In their ceremonial garments, each member of the dance troop has a role to play and from the youngest to the oldest, they take their dance traditions very seriously. When the chanting begins, you are carried away to a different time and place. You are no longer in the twenty-first century, but instead you are transported back to a time when buffalo still roamed the plains and the Native American tribes were the only people to inhabit North America.

As a dancer sweeps across the dance area, spreading his feathered wings, he is no longer a dancer, but is instead a great eagle surveying the land and homes of the tribe’s forefathers. Warriors take to the battlefield as they recount the brave deeds done in a battle fought long ago, but not forgotten by the victorious tribe as they pay homage to their fallen heroes. Dance and storytelling are part of the Native American heritage. It is a way for them to not only embrace their culture, but to bring pride to their incredible history and traditions.

There are also dances, like the hoop dance, that were used to prepare young warriors or hunters for the agility and stealth required for their adulthood. Balance, grace, athleticism are all on display as the dancers twirl, jump, swoop across the dance area. The tribe bonds and children are introduced to their rituals and traditions. The garments are colorful and vibrant, meant to extenuate every movement. If you’ve had a chance to watch a Native American dance ceremony, you aren’t likely to soon forget it. It is well worth the experience to understand the culture and traditions of the Native Americans who have suffered greatly, but are still willing to share their dances with us.