Moment King's Guard soldier on horseback moves closer for perfect photo with veterans
Two veterans, one who served with the Royal Regiment of Scotland, have been treated to an extra special honour at Horse Guards Parade in London.
The man and woman, who are both wearing medals on the left of their navy jackets, carefully and respectfully move towards a Trooper on horseback conducting King's Life Guard duties at Horse Guards.
The original Buska In The Park YouTube video, which has been viewed more than 355,000 times since it was uploaded on 27 July, was shared on social media platform X, the new name of Twitter, three days later by user @manc_lass3 who, of the "beautiful and fitting gesture", said: "Very rare the King's Guards move position for almost anybody.
"The young guard spotted a veteran and his wife and moved in closer for their photograph.
"God bless all in service, past and present, without their sacrifice, we would be truly nothing today."
The video echoes a touching moment captured in June when a Trooper is seen taking a sidestep to his left at Horse Guards so a young man with Down's syndrome could have his photo taken with him.
Many others have taken to social media to praise the actions of the soldier.
X user @norajones388 was moved by the video and was reminded of the similar video posted in June, saying: "They seem to have soft spots and respect for the elderly and disabled.
"There is a beautiful one from last week with a standing guard doing the same thing for a young man who has Down's Syndrome.
"It was so sweet and kind. I hope all who do these acts of kindness are recognised in some special way."
At one point, the Trooper brings the horse's face close to the veterans – perhaps to ensure a memorable photograph – and the woman takes the opportunity to rub the animal's nose, much to her delight.
There have been plenty of comments highlighting that, in fact, both the man and woman, believed to be a couple, are veterans with many demanding respects should be paid to both.
On YouTube, many of the comments are celebratory and full of joy at the sight of respect shown between a serving soldier and two veterans.
One user chose to write as though speaking directly to the Trooper, saying: "What a show of respect to this veteran by this "young" man to his elder/comrade, but also VERY touching to the heart.
"You've been raised well or have chosen to carry compassion as an adult… well done.
"Don't ever lose that – it's very rare nowadays.
"You can be tough, in charge, and still carry a heart full of compassion – a rare man indeed."
Another YouTube user commented on the respect shown by the veterans for the serving soldier and how it seems that interaction prompted the positive response, saying: "Huge respect to the Trooper for acknowledging that veteran couple, and enabling them to get a great memento of their day.
"That couple approached the Trooper and his horse with respect and kept a good distance, allowing the Trooper to take the decision that respect for him and his horse deserves reward.
"What an absolute credit that Trooper is to his regiment, and I would want to thank him and those veterans for their service."
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