Posted on 09/28/2017 4:14:42 PM PDT by markomalley
A photo that has gone viral while circulating among the online military community shows a man at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery, kneeling down on one knee reportedly during the playing of taps, and is sweeping across America, outraging thousands.
“Taps” is a bugle call played at dusk, during flag ceremonies, and at military funerals by the United States armed forces and is regularly played at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
Not standing for Taps is incredibly disrespectful.
The picture is sparking intense outrage on social media. It is unclear exactly why the man seen in the photo is kneeling during taps while everyone else is standing, but most people online are assuming it is in protest.
If that is the case, it follows in the footsteps of NFL players’ protests – close to 200 NFL players and coaches took a knee during the U.S. national anthem on Sunday. The protests were started by football player Colin Kaepernick last year to protest what he believes to be problems in America, namely police brutality and black inequality. Kaepernick was not signed by a professional football team this year.
Protocol at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is that you stand, and many times the Soldiers who guard the Tomb will directly address people who are not standing and demand they stand.
“Someone actually had the nerve to [take a knee] at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. That is the definition of absolute trash,” one Twitter user posted.
“I support everyone’s right to free speech, but I feel in in the shadow of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier it is inappropriate,” Zachary Bell tweeted.
(Twitter)
The photo is captioned: “This photo was taken by my daughter yesterday at the tomb of the unknown soldier while they were playing TAPS. Words cannot express my anger right now.
(Facebook)
The picture shows everyone there standing, virtually all with their hands over their hearts, except for the one man, who is seen clearly taking a knee.
The picture has appeared on Reddit, Facebook, 4chan and elsewhere.
Attempts to gather more details about how long the man kneeled, if he made any other signs, and other details have not turned up anything.
“The fact that people are kneeling at the [Tomb of the Unknown Soldier] is absolutely sickening,” one Twitter user wrote. “Fu—-g inhumane.”
(Twitter)
“Saw a picture of someone taking a knee at the [Tomb of the Unknown Soldier] just makes me sick. I thought it wasn’t about the military,” Reese wrote on Twitter.
(Twitter)
“It’s one thing to kneel at a football game… but this is the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. You fu—-g stand,” the popular brand Tactical SHT posted to Facebook.
(Facebook)
The Salute Media Facebook page, which claims to be a veteran-owned Facebook page, also posted the photo with the following caption:
SALUTE TRENDING: Taking a knee during the national anthem at major league sporting events has garnered national attention by way of support for some, and outrage for others.
A combat veteran who was visiting Arlington National Cemetery yesterday at the Tomb Of The Unknown Soldier with his daughter snapped a photo of a man kneeling during the playing of TAPS.
Has professional sports protest’s bled onto hallowed ground? Arlington National Cemetery had long been a place of reflection, honor and remembrance.
We want your to know your opinion. Should Americans be able to protest anywhere they choose in a peaceful and quiet matter, or are some places completely off limits?
Share your thoughts. [Tagging other pages] U.S. Infantry, Gruntworks GRUNTS 11 Bravo, U.S. Infantry Soldiers You Might Be a Veteran If.
(Facebook)
Here is the full photo:
You can listen and watch this hauntingly beautiful video of taps, performed by The U.S. Army Band “Pershing’s Own” Special Bugler and Special Drummer at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier:
(videos at link)
No one had the sense to beat the shit out of the guy.
Do you know why?
He could be copying Colin Kaepernick or maybe a picture of military solder’s taking of a knee. He could be waiting for someone to challenge him and he will hit him or appreciate being told his position is disrespectful.
My point is that many people are just plane ignorant.
I expect a number of off duty military may choose to accompany the honor guard in the near future until things "shake out..."
The biggest and meanest marines...
Trust me, if that little oxygen thief thought he could spray paint the TOTUS, he would in a heart beat.
We should NEVER think for a minute that the left would not bulldoze that site in a minute, it is Robert E. Lee’s home afterall.
Though you can see the ass, you don’t see his crack.
He is in need of a wheelchair. No? Really! Seriously, he NEEDS a wheelchair.
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