I watched the changing of the guard on November 15, 1968, during the march on Washington to end the Vietnam War. Arlington was swarmed by college students, chatting noisily. One of the young “Old Guards” politely asked the crowd to be silent during the guard change. The crowd went quiet immediately. You could hear a pin drop. The students watched respectfully, and when it was over, they moved away quietly.
Maybe witnessing the devotion of the young guards changed a few minds that day...
That was 1969.