Interment Ceremony Of The Vietnam Unknown (1985)

Highlights President Ronald Reagan's Speech At The Funeral Service For The Vietnam Unknown Soldier. Shows Departure Of Casket From Capitol Rotunda, Loading Of Caisson, Flashbacks To Dedication Of Vietnam Memorial, Parade Route, And Combat Documentation, Funeral Service And Burial; Concludes With Playing Of Taps And Shots Of Various Tombstones In Arlington National Cemetery.

[@bradkennett5759]

Being a Vietnam Vet, I was so happy and proud the day Michael Blassie was Identified. May God Bless you Michael And May God Bless all the others that Fell or who are still MIA.

[@dragonzgaming5056]

sir my grandfather served in Vietnam he was a marine I am proud to say most of my family were in the military and all made it out alive I do thank you for your service during your tour I'm not a man nor a boy just a human being that should wished he could understand what happen during that time period but at that same time I don't because nobody should see what happened then but I do know I'm glade you made your way out my grandfather told me one day how many times he left death but not his friends his scares prove he was there but you can see it how he talks,walks, and how he acts he served saw things he should see but I'm proud to become his grandson. I am proud that we still honor our hero's but just not enough because there is not enough I'm glade to seen this and seen your comment may god bless you and thank you for what you have done for this country couldn't have said it enough sir.

[@apieceofdirt4681]

Thanks for all your service for this country!!! YOU are a huge part of what makes America great. Thanks for your sacrifice.......for me.

[@raulrenovato6778]

brad Kennett Thank you for the service to this country you deserve.May the good Lord Bliss you and your Family. Thank you. And welcome Home.

[@raulrenovato6778]

I would like to say Thank you for my freedom. And May the good Lord Blessed you and your Family. Once more Thank you ....

[@SheepdogSmokey]

Thank you for your service Sir. I am so sorry you and your brothers and sisters came home to such disrespect, but know not all felt that way. My Father served as a radarman, all who have served gave something they will never get back, but some gave so much more. Thank you again, Sir, and God Bless you!

[@m_recordz]

You are no longer unknown, Lt Michael Blassie. Thank you.

[@norman7179]

The voice of Ronald Reagan was always comforting in a time of loss/sorrow.

[@cbquid2513]

I was the veterinarian assigned to Fort Myer from '83-'87. I took care of those beautiful animals that delivered so many of our fallen heroes to their final resting places in ANC. I tended to their caretakers, too -- the soldiers of the Third US Infantry, Caisson Platoon. It was an honor to participate in this interment ceremony for the (then) unknown Vietnam War service member. I marched in line with the lead horse, near side (right side), from the Capital Rotunda, through the streets of D.C., over Memorial Bridge and on to the Tomb. I heard President Reagan's speech, in person. I am still moved by the entire experience. God bless our troops. God bless America. 🇺🇸

[@JerrySextonDenver]

I was surprised to see this online. I was a young Captain in the Air Force as the Producer on this film. A very moving experience.

[@EliYBY]

Jerry Sexton thank you, sir.

[@NegiTaiMetal011]

Thank you for your service, sir.

[@bo0tsy1]

ANC is a very moving place.

[@nolan2606]

Thank you for your service 🇺🇸

[@paulumbaugh6602]

I was the casket team leader for this, what an Honor.....R.I.P. Lt. Michael Blassie Whoo-Rah!!!!!

[@JimRockford853]

What was it like that day?

[@EliYBY]

Paul Umbaugh thank you, Soldier.

[@brianbaumgarn5795]

Thanks for your service, so much.

[@dallasyap3064]

That's great

[@tbutler20772]

I served on the all-services honor guard at the departure ceremony at Pearl Harbor when the then unknown remains was transported from Hawaii to California by ship and then on to Arlington National Cemetery. It was the greatest honor I experienced in my 20-year service: nara.getarchive.net/media/military-honor-guards-render-a-final-salute-to-the-unknown-serviceman-of-the-a18175

[@cherylfarley5508]

So many buried their fathers, husbands and sons that day. Thank you President and THANK YOU to all od our Vietnam Vets. God bless you all.

[@christinmarshall7267]

and welcome home!

[@suzistephens7243]

My youngest brother, Paul Gray, third generation Navy, served as a ceremonial guard during this time. A really good shot of him from frame 44-48. So proud. Happy belated Memorial Day, Paul.

[@18winsagin]

Wow, Mr Reagan was such a leader and Commander he said beautiful personal things but kept it what it really was, I never had the honor of serving but have been to several military funerals and several times tears surely came, thank you veterans you are awesome in my eyes and I would stand beside you in battle anytime, thank you again, God be with you ... Kevin Southern Virginia

[@ajcampbell451]

My mom and dad had the honor to serve under Ronald Reagan. My parents loved him.

[@dallasyap3064]

Ronald Reagan was a great leader.

[@ChrisHyde537]

I was serving when he was elected in 1980. The moral improved along with the pay and the upgrades of most things.

[@PaulG0502]

November is Veterans Month My older brother is a Disabled Vietnam Veteran. Lt. Michael Blassie and other veterans who sacrificed their lives for All of us. Should always be honored.

[@paulabrunetto2329]

A great tribute....such simple words.."Thank You dear son"....yet profound and gently appropriate....... President Regan, to you also a profound thanks. May you rest in peace dear sir. I wish you were here as this country needs you, and MEN like you now more than ever. For we have become so watered down in all that we stood for, built, and achieved ....we have lost our compass and it shows..... We need your grace, resolve, thoughtfulness and yes....your pride as an American with that "can do" spirit. Bravo sir.

[@chrisflanagan3834]

Watched this ceremony while in Air Force Basic Training. Soon after finishing Tech Training I was selected to join the Air Force Honor Guard in DC and was honored to perform numerous ceremonies in Arlington National Ceremony laying our brother's and sister's to their final resting place. THWD!!

[@bevy814]

As a veteran of USAF, it was very very moving. I've watched this when first posted and it still moves me to tears. I never noticed until today how spectacular the trumpet player was. It was almost like the trumpet was crying the notes. WELCOME HOME EVERYONE!

[@jwhome9319]

I believe thats a Bugle!

[@robinreneecamponeschi4797]

OMG!! I am SO VERY PROUD to be an American and have the UTMOST RESPECT and PRIDE in our young men & women as well as my contemporaries and Veterans who serve & have served our Great Nation!

[@kebunsha1]

I participated in this event. The military gathered up a lot of personnel from the surrounding DC, Virginia and Maryland bases. We stood in line along constitution avenue. Even a couple groups of recruits were flown in. Our job was just to salute as the cassion rolled by. Later, I got to participate in the dedication of Veitnam memorial and the burial of Gen Omar Bradley.

[@moonshiner5095]

I a father that never served, first in 5 generations only because my mother talked me out of it, have a son that wishes to stand guard over this tomb, myself a Leo find it utterly amazing that a boy of 17, my son feels the call to stand and do whatever it takes to one day guard over this tomb. I can only hope that many more in these times feels the same way he does . Because without them the past has no bearing on the future.

[@jeffhulton1538]

Lt. Blassie, rest in peace. Thank you for giving all you had to keep me free.

[@allthingznerf8459]

Our town lost a hero from this war. We will never forget Cpl Charles McMahon Jr. May God bless Lt Blassie.

[@deborahdyess2158]

As a wac and Vietnam era veteran. I saw the disrespect that our soldiers were greeted with makes me ashamed that heroes were done this way my deepest honor and respect to Vietnam veterans

[@mandalorian1994]

Sir, god bless you, thank you for your service, and stay safe always.

[@HTH_Bellhop]

God bless the men and women who defend our country.

[@danvanhoose6783]

just found this,made me cry,sent home with two ripped Achilles tendons,air national guard,160th121st combat support group.,air refueling wing.bring them all home.

[@paulumbaugh6602]

It was a dreary day, rained very early on, then drizzled, that is why we had to put the plastic cover over the Flag...But it was Awesome, seeing all the people who came out to witness this event, especially the Vietnam Vet's who took up the rear of the ceremony...Something that I will NEVER forget, what an Honor it was to lead the Casket Team...

[@louis.gabriel]

Paul Umbaugh Congrats! Then you're awesome!

[@paulumbaugh6602]

Luis Gabriel Redor Thanks!!!! Take care...

[@lisabradford8180]

thank you for your service, paul.

[@paulumbaugh6602]

lisa bradford You are so Very welcome Lisa, it was my Honor and Pleasure, and Thank You....Paul :)

[@paulumbaugh6602]

Thank you and God Bless....

[@lisabradford8180]

what a beautiful service.

[@rbjanitorialprod]

THANK YOU.

[@danstone6195]

I got to see the unknown (now known ) at the base chapel at Travis AFB when he came through....very moving

[@sondramoorman5600]

God Bless you Michael... Vietnam so many DIED so many MIA so many POWS. I will never forget.

[@ronyunkinsr408]

THANK YOU ALL

[@Chazwozel1]

This man would be later identified as Michael Joseph Blassie. May you all find peace.

[@patsyray8064]

I knew that day that the experts in Hawaii knew it was one of two people. They did not want to send the remains. They knew if the other remains were found, these could be identified. They knew that DNA science was to become better. The powers in DC, in an election year, were determined to do this. I was happy when I learned the experts had been right and this had been wrong and this service member had been returned to his loved ones. I remain in awe of the experts in Hawaii.

[@roccospencer53]

These men represent us all. RIP Sir

[@roccospencer53]

I think its a great time for us to remember the long road we have marched to get where we are, a free nation, with a free people. Some have more, some have less for sure, but all stand as Americans

[@danielpetrosky8020]

May u never be forgotten or miss and thanks to all that gave up there freedomds so we can have ours

[@km2711]

A wonderful service and well honored by President Reagan. Some 3 years ago...and the emotion of it all can still instill in anyone the spirit of America that existed at the time. Fast forward 31 years and look at what has been wrought nationally and what, sadly, appears to be facing this country in its next eight years. God help us!

[@ruadhrose]

Men of honor like this, deserve more from their country. I miss having leaders like Reagan, men who are proud of their country and show it.

[@paladin313]

Seeing that this man was identified, I have to believe they interred another in his place from Vietnam. I certainly hope the exchange was done as honorably, and that Michael Blassie still deserved that medal, considering he had to be unknown for all that time, and that his family had to endure all those years of never having known his fate, and now having peace and closure. Always remember that this tomb is for all those that died unknown, and whose fates are still known only unto God.

[@BGerbs66]

Cliff Cernek The unknown part is what makes the tomb so special. I have not served and I probably will never serve, but I have the utmost respect for all of those who served past, present, and future. I have witnessed the changing of the guard and just being around the area is heart wrenching. The tomb is so spiritual because all can relate to the servicemen entombed. No one knows if the servicemen are family members, so all treat them as such. If there were to be a soldier interred at the Tomb of the Unknown that is known, it would just be a serviceman who got lucky and was interred in a place with some of the highest honor. The most important part of the tomb is that it honors all that we are unable to thank or thank the families of for their service. As good of an idea as what you have sounds, it just will not work. I hope you understand my reasoning.

[@TUS253]

Cliff Cernek This is why they're "Unknown"..they represent all of the Uncles, Dad's, Brothers, Sisters,et al that never came back,,anyone who has ever lost someone can go to the Tomb and represent their own. Having been a Sentinel for 3-1/2 years, I have seen the calming/healing first hand.

[@scharb01]

John Smith How do you know this info?

[@larryelliot7734]

+TUS253 thank you for your service, brother in arms.

[@kevindonovan8393]

Well Sir, right off the bat, Captain Blassie was in the Air Force. The Medal of Honor was awarded to the Vietnam Unknown, not Captain Blassie. The MoH was awarded to each of the Unknowns.

[@apieceofdirt4681]

What a great video.

[@dakers2052]

I was stationed in Hawaii (U.S. Navy) in March 1984 when, 3 months later, I was tasked with representing the base I worked at (Camp H.M. Smith, Aiea, Hawaii) to attend the movement of the remains of the unknown soldier to be buried at Arlington Cemetery in May 1984 from the The Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command. It was a very solemn occasion, with all the military services represented. We were told, even then, that the remains may be exhumed in the future as new technology in identification of human remains were being developed. Yes, even then, there were questions about the remains, but, I can tell you, no one wants one of our long dead service-members to go unidentified, and I am happy that Lt. Michael Blassie was properly identified and he was returned to his family for proper recognition and burial.

[@Maoli2013]

I also served with Joint Task Force-Full Accounting (JTF-FA) from `93-`95 at Camp H.M. Smith. I had the honor of being the NCO in charge of several repatriations where we flew in to Vietnam and brought back remains of our MIA's. It was the single most memorable duties I had my entire 21 years on active duty. The people I worked with were top notch leaders from all different branches of the military. I also was able to collect bricks from the "Hanoi Hilton" when they tore it down. I sent several bricks to former POW's who were at the "Hilton". I kept one for myself. I still have it.

[@USACLINTEASTWOOD]

GOD BLEES AMERICATHANKS MR.PRESIDENT RONALD REAGAN

[@jeantaylor2308]

CLINT EASTWOOD Ronald Regan, the only contemporary president who learned to give a proper salute. It shows how much he respected our service men and women who gave so much. God bless them all and give thanks for their service, not just those who didn't come home but all those who left, whatever their outcome may have been.

[@efrenluisizquierdo5186]

Notice how R.Reagan salutes at the same time that the officer did. Perfect syncrony.

[@bunnimartin2335]

Hoorah to all the un known soldiers who gave their lives so we could remain free. To all soldiers who have fought and perished in all senseless wars. May God hold you all within his loving arms.

[@mpdoughboy153]

This was the day and year i was born.

[@bobdanielson318]

Thank you all service men and women 🙏 ❤ God bless you

[@raulrenovato6778]

Same give same. But same give all. Thank you . And welcome home. May the good Lord have you in his Loving arms. Once more Thank you for the saved you given to this Country ....

[@Γ.Παπακωνσταντίνου]

god bless your country

[@marshataylor4086]

Thanks to all the Vietnam vets for our freedom

[@starr.w.874]

I didn't know this happened, but I am so glad this did. My dad IS a Viet Nam vet. I love you daddy!

[@jerenitafagayan3300]

YHWH bless America and the brave men and women , past and present, who answered to the call of duty , to keep your country free !! The freedom you are enjoying came with a great price ..., their sacrifice ... Praying for the U.S.of A...

[@jtrade7737]

stfu it was not fucking farmers you piece of shit.

[@jacquelinetaylor9769]

Forever And Always Grateful For Our American Freedom!! God Bless Our Military.

[@patgarrett2152]

I didn't know about this ceremony until I saw this! Was he interred in the tomb with the original unknown soldier, or in a different place? How was he identified? Is there one for Korea? What about now? I hope there are no more! Very impressive, showing great gratitude for the sacrifice made by all our military, each in their own way! Thanks to all our military, no matter which war, police action or whatever it's called! They gave so much, and are still giving!

[@justiceknight1399]

I often wish I had parish in a war, life is a disappointment... My better days were as a Marine..

[@vincentreynolds2127]

RESPECT.

[@IronMike-lt6et]

Nam We the unwilling led by the Unqualified to kill the unfortunate Die for the Ungrateful

[@sweet68pea]

thank you so much nuclear for this video....

[@ltrich50]

I remember watching this on TV.

[@tjp9257]

Amen!

[@damianclark550]

Michael Blassie was an "unknown" in the tomb. Hopefully there are no more known soldiers in there with knowledge of who it is.

[@anthonylagunas6737]

The sad part is Reagan was told they were close to identifying the body. But he wanted someone from Vietnam.

[@SheepdogSmokey]

I was 7 when this happened.

[@anthonytrenerry1767]

I can't believe the number of people that have this video thumbs down shame you

[@jamesfellbaum5641]

ALL GAVE SOME SOME GAVE ALL BUT HE GAVE EVERYTHING.

[@michellebostic681]

Even the President got emotional.

[@Inspadave]

I can't believe an American president would get wrong the name of the nation's highest military award for valor.

[@mercian7]

Abide with me is so similar. its almost the same. Always played at the The Cup Final.A great hymn.better than "nearer My god etc"

[@printman90606]

Actually, that's "Nearer My God to Thee"....similar to Abide with me, but not the same tune.

[@mercian7]

not similar . Virtually identical matey!!

[@johngoglia6981]

To all NAM VETS " WELCOME HOME". GOD BLESS YOU ALL"... u.s. navy destroyers sailor commissaryman 2ndC.. USS farragut ddg37, uss Elmer montgomery ff1082, cold war sailor

[@ricmora4482]

With due respect, it's the Medal of Honor. Congress has nothing to do with it. Welcome home, brother.

[@davidgray8191]

To the 58,000 and those known only to God. Welcome home my brother!

[@dallasyap3064]

If he is an unknown soldier then how did they know that he had done an extraordinary action of heroism?

[@marcusharjo8081]

Makes me proud to be an American.

[@franklinsscott7310]

My dad served in Vietnam but I aint gonna say his name

[@jonathanlin501]

Can anybody identify the music featured in this (besides Taps)?

[@AlexKS1992]

If there is a lesson to be learned here and it is that war is pointless. The only people who benefit from war are the old, bitter and greedy. While the young and naive do the dirty work all the while losing friends, family and their lives. My respects go to the veterans but not the people who start wars.

[@gunbunny1948]

DNA Testing has made sure there will never be an Unknown Soldier Again, I remembered this and watched it. To me it symbolized the laying to rest of all my Brothers at one time.C Battery 1st Bn 8th Artillery 2nd Brigade 25th Infantry Division III Corps Republic of Vietnam. 1968-1969.

[@johnny10301968]

Don't for get the unknown soldiers of WW1 WW2 and Korea still buried here.

[@johnsheffield3058]

It was 1984, not 1985.

[@TheGrayWarbler]

that guys hat at 1:46 what military affiliation does he have? Curious as it looks similar to the "lemon squeezers" the kiwis wore. cheers

[@MackJoe]

+FLoYdInPink If you're refering to the one in the flat brimmed hat, he is most likely a Park ranger as well as Vietnam veteran but that's just a guess.

[@printman90606]

FLoYdInPink, He's not a Park Ranger, that is called a campaign hat, and it is worn by Marine Corps, Army, Coast Guard and Air Force Drill Instructors...

[@MackJoe]

Phil Millard the reason my initial thought was park ranger was because of what seemed to be a badge on the front. Thanks for clearing it up though.

[@TrooperEli671]

Song at the beginning?

[@duongqua2305]

it is the price to pay for the brutal war caused by the Americans, who have often considered that our Vietnamese people love peace but if we exchange for peace because the country is divided, we are willing to sacrifice everything. not agree to dehydration

[@edwardcase6594]

i am glad obama never had to speak at an internment

[@teebee4992]

@@plutoisacomet Ed Case is far more than a mere idiot. He is down right stupid.

[@bobwymer1453]

Semper Fi my brother's Semper Fi

[@RavenBlaze]

There will never actually be another unknown as DNA can trace them now. And actually wasn't this man returned to his family, because of DNA?---(edited)--According to the commenter Brad Kennett, yes he was!

[@bernie4268]

If I was a parent and my son died and I heard Reagan spew this vomit I'd be screaming "you should have gone yourself, all you politicians, all you weak bastards." But still we spend trillions on wars.

[@mrguitar5051]

GOD AMERICAN. THE COLORS IN OUR FLAG DONT RUN

[@SuperLordHawHaw]

I thought with modern DNA testing being able to trace remains at this point was not an issue.

[@nunyabiznez6381]

Not every deceased vet has living relatives who could provide a sample to compare with. That would be the only way to identify them. In the Vietnam War era and before, they did not take genetic samples of service personnel. I'm not sure they do in every case today. I know of one person whose relative did not come back. To them, the thought that their relative may be deceased is unthinkable. They still hold out hope that after all these years, that relative will come home to them. I'm inclined to think they would refuse to provide a sample to compare as that would be admitting that it may be possible that their relative may be dead. I'm inclined to think that there may be others in the same situation who may feel the same way.

[@Brvnkaerv]

He has been identified. He has been exhumed. This is the only tomb that lies empty of the unknowns.

[@Odin029]

Yes his name is Michael J. Blassie, air force lieutenant from St. Louis

[@ben3206]

SuperLordHawHaw the thing is most if not all remains have been so badly, and i dont mean any disrespect, disfigured or destroyed that there is no possible way to ID the body, not even DNA or dental records can positively ID the bodies as the body as the skin may be charred and the blood can be contaminated with ash and other chemicals or other complications

[@danielr.5820]

I am sorry for the loss of your loved one. May you find comfort in God's word the Bible at Revelation 21:4 where it is promised that He will bring an end to our greatest enemy..., DEATH.

[@ericcam5556]

show this to a modern feminist.

[@simontemplar6279]

President Reagan brought dignity and honor leading our nation and genuine respect for our service members and our traditions.

[@paulabrunetto2329]

Wow. What an honor for you Paul Umbaugh!!! And, thank you!

[@scottc977]

God Bless the young man interred there. Such a great speech by Pres. Reagan , boy could we use his clarity in today's circus.

[@aliefabdurrahman3302]

US air force Lieutenant Michael J blassie

[@memetopia110]

Press F to pay respects

[@dianalewis8681]

Rekless f