Set in Washington D.C. while the Vietnam war is raging in far away Southeast Asia. A young private (D.B. Sweeney) is assigned to serve in the prestigious Old Guard at Arlington National Cemetery -- the gardens of stones. But he would rather be in action on the frontlines of the war. His superior, a sergeant who has done two tours of duty in 'Nam and is convinced the war is unwinnable, encourages the young man to be at peace with the duty that's been given him. Fishburne plays Corporal Flanagan of the Old Guard.