It was not an average day off for Zach Ertz as the tight end went to one of Washington, D.C.'s most famous landmarks to take part in a sacred ritual at Arlington National Cemetery.

"It's an honor just to be out here and experience this," Ertz said. "You feel the gravity of it, understanding that there's so many things we take for granted every day."

Alongside his family, Ertz was invited to place a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, a gesture that pays gratitude to and remembers the sacrifices of American service members.

Established in 1921, the tomb houses the remains of three American soldiers from World War I, World War II and the Korean War that are, as the sarcophagus notes, "known but to God." The site is guarded round-the-clock by a Tomb Guard from the U.S. Army's 3rd Infantry Regiment, and Ertz's visit started with witnessing the elaborate "changing of the guard" ceremony that draws millions of visitors each year.

Ertz was accompanied by Brig. Gen. Antoinette Gant for the keynote moment of the afternoon. The solemn scene was punctuated by the sound of "Taps" and the precise steps of the honor guard. Ertz carefully placed the wreath -- adorned with a ribbon of burgundy and gold -- at the base of the marble tomb and participated in a moment of silence for the countless lives given without name or recognition.

After a tour on the history of the tomb, the Ertzes said their goodbyes and took pictures. The excitement went in one direction towards the Commanders' star and two-time World Cup winner wife Julie. However, a deep level of appreciation and respect for the military community, past and present, was passed the other way and will forever stay for the Ertzes.

"We've only been in D.C. now for about a year and a half, but you feel the weight of this city," Ertz said. "Just to be out here and to pay honor to our soldiers, the men and women who serve our country, is something we never take for granted as a family."