- For now, Arlington National Cemetery

is closed to the public withfunerals closed to the media.

Still, the mission of theOld Guard here continues.

("Taps")

The final call plays on.

Those 24 notes known as "Taps"

marking the end of a day on base

("Taps")

and a national song oftribute to fallen heroes

(plane engines roaring)

even in the midst of a pandemic.

This remains a place immune to change.

(choral singing)

From the Eternal Flame marking the grave

of President John F. Kennedy,

to the Tomb of the Unknownwhere the Old Guard

stands watch over the restingplace of unnamed soldiers.

- In keeping with thatdignity of the ceremony,

let us request that youremain silent and standing.

- [Gabe] The usualcrowds who silently watch

this ceremonial changingof the guard are absent now

but the American soldier known but to God

remains under constantand meticulous watch.

- For us it doesn'tmatter if it's a hurricane

or in this case, if it's a pandemic.

We are always here.

We are always guarding.

- [Gabe] Through a hurricane

and even during the 9-11 terror attacks.

In rain, snow, sleet and gloom of night,

these watchmen have kepta 24 hour a day vigil

for more than 80 years

and the coronavirus isn'tabout to scratch that record.

- That's a crazy look.

- [Gabe] But this is the first time

they've worn masks in close quarters.

- [Man] Halt!

- [Gabe] And masks are now worn

during funeral services and burials.

- Please accept this flag as a symbol

of our appreciation foryour loved one's honorable

and faithful service.

- [Gabe] Even as the nation's veterans

and their families continue toreceive full military honors.

- The unknowns deserve that.

Our country deserves that.

This place represents thevery best of this country,

quite frankly, at a timein which we need reminding

of what our very best looks like.

- That very best representedby an elite group

of soldiers, sometimesstanding still as statues.

(upbeat music)

This is the oldest activeduty regimen in the U.S. Army

but beyond the pomp and circumstance

(gun firing)

the Third U.S. Infantryregimen is a fully trained

and certified army combat unit.

("Star-Spangled Banner")

To serve as a sentinel in what is known as

the official escort to the President

is considered one of theArmy's highest honors.

("Taps")

For them, the honor is in the mission.

The guards don't wearmasks while keeping watch

but they do keep their social distance

during the Changing of the Guard

and the all important uniform inspection.

The motto of the Old Guard, touch me not.

Gabe LaMonica CBN News,Arlington National Cemetery.