Video courtesy of TMD Enterprises/Tom Donohue.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Offering flowers at a memorial site is a ritual that occurs around the world, symbolizing the beauty and brevity of life. Floral tributes are made each day at Arlington National Cemetery — at funeral services, public ceremonies and individual visits to a loved one's gravesite. Formal ceremonies at Arlington often involve the laying of a wreath. These ceremonies typically take place at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, attended by ceremonial units from the uniformed services.

On Oct. 29, in an official wreath laying ceremony, the Forest Service Honor Guard presented a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Solider at Arlington National Cemetery in honor of our fallen employees.

The Honor Guard has participated in events such as the Rose Parade or transportation of the US Capitol Christmas Tree. Those events help the agency promote pride in the USDA Forest Service and share that pride and image with the American public.

The precision of the Honor Guard is no accident. The group meets twice a year and practices for hours and hours. Sessions involve training new members and reviewing procedures and processes for flag etiquette, flag folding, marching and drills. Their commitment shows in services laden with tradition.

Memorial services can include carrying chrome-plated firefighting tools, playing “Amazing Grace” on bagpipes and presenting the colors, or flags of the United States, the Forest Service and the state. At the end of the service, they ring a fire bell as a symbolic "last call" for the fallen employee. Guard members then carefully fold an American flag into a neat triangle and present it to the grieving family.

Over the past decade, the Honor Guard has become ingrained as an essential part of the agency, paying tribute to employees who dedicate their time, skills and efforts to make the Forest Service what is it today. The Honor Guard was adopted as a national program in 2010.

All videos and photos are courtesy of TMD Enterprises.

More photos from the ceremony available here.