While on a trip with their classmates to Washington, D.C. in late March, four Goose Creek High fine arts students had the honor of laying a wreath before the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington Cemetery.

Laying a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier has long been a way for individuals and organizations to honor the sacrifices of American service members.

Goose Creek High’s band and chorus students travelled to Washington, D.C. for special performances at the Lincoln Memorial and the WWII Memorial. They also got to check out many well-known historic landmarks in D.C. – among them was Arlington Cemetery.

After watching the changing of the guard during their visit to the cemetery, senior band students Melvin Mikell and Veronica Weinburg and senior chorus students Jordyn Francis and Brandon Burgess participated in laying the wreath before the tomb.

The students said they did not know they were going to be laying the wreath until the day of their visit; they were selected by their teachers to participate – Tyler Holliday is Goose Creek High’s Director of Bands and Emily Bohl is the Director of Choral Activities.

“It was a really cool experience,” Francis said, adding the students enjoyed speaking with the soldiers they met there. “It was a really fun time. I really enjoyed myself.”

While it was an honor, Burgess said he was really nervous during the ceremony.

“My heart was definitely beating out of my chest – I was definitely sweating,” Burgess said. “I didn’t want to drop the wreath.”

They were all asked by their teachers to wear their performance attire for the ceremony. Video footage shows them being led to the tomb to lay the wreath, and then standing with hands over hearts while “Taps” can be heard.

Mikell said the whole experience was quite surreal.

“I think my favorite part of the ceremony was being on the steps and looking across…and seeing the city,” he said.

All four students agreed it was very moving and expressed gratitude for being selected to participate.

“I’m really honored that I got to be a part of the experience,” Weinburg said.

Berkeley County School District

GCH fine arts students lay wreath at Tomb of the Unknown Soldier