Prince Harry Places Wreath at Tomb of the Unknowns

By Terri Moon Cronk
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, May 10, 2013 – Britain’s Prince Harry received a 21-gun salute this morning when his motorcade arrived at Arlington National Cemetery, where he placed a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknowns.

Britain's Prince Harry, left, and Army Sgt. 1st Class Tanner Welch, Sergeant of the Guard, Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard), place a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknowns at Arlington National Cemetery on May 10, 2013. U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Luisito Brooks   (Click photo for screen-resolution image);high-resolution image available.

The young British royal, 28, also paid his respects to gravesites at Section 60 at the cemetery, where U.S. service members who died during the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan are buried.

The prince was treated as a head of state at the cemetery. During the wreath-laying ceremony, he received a four-platoon cordon with full honors, said Army Maj. John Miller, a spokesman for the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard).

The prince was dressed in the ceremonial uniform of the British Army in which he serves as a captain, and as the flag of the United Kingdom flew behind him, he approached the tomb, accompanied by Army Maj. Gen. Michael S. Linnington, commander of the Military District of Washington.

Hundreds of school children and other spectators watched as Prince Harry placed the wreath at the tomb.
From the cemetery, Prince Harry traveled to Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, Md., where he visited wounded warriors.

Following two deployments to Afghanistan, Prince Harry has since focused on honoring the sacrifices and service of veterans, wounded warriors and their families.