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Coronavirus: Arlington Cemetery may be closed to visitors but sentinels still take their posts

Their mission will not end, no matter the weather or even the COVID-19 outbreak.

The sentinels who guard the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier are still marking the 21 steps before pausing and retracing the 21 steps, despite the closure of Arlington National Cemetery to tourists due to the new coronavirus.

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The tomb holds the remains of members of the military from World War I, World War II, the Korean War and the Vietnam War who have never been identified.

The Tomb Guards have been keeping watch over the grave since 1926.

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Funerals are still proceeding, but family members are being asked to stay in their cars as they wait for ceremonies to begin. Family pass holders are still permitted to visit the graves of those who are buried in the hallowed ground, cemetery officials said. There is no set reopening date for tourists, with officials saying that it’s closed to the public for the foreseeable future.

Honor Flight visits have also be canceled through the end of April.