John Harbaugh, Baltimore Ravens visit Pentagon, Arlington National Cemetery

Baltimore Ravens coach John Harbaugh provided a welcome diversion from training camp for his team on Monday.

Harbaugh canceled practice to allow the players to participate in a trip that included a visit to the Pentagon and a stop at Arlington National Cemetery to lay a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

"Football is a meritocracy, and our team has worked hard throughout this offseason and training camp," Harbaugh said in a statement released by the team. "Our coaches appreciate and respect that effort. The team deserves a day away from the fields and meetings, and an opportunity to spend some time together away from the facility."

It turned out to be a particularly poignant day for a pair of Baltimore players -- wide receiver Keenan Reynolds and defensive back Otha Foster III.

Reynolds, a former quarterback at the Naval Academy, and Foster, who served in the Marines while playing football at Pearl River Community College, each participated in laying a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

"Laying the wreath at the tomb of the unknown soldier was definitely an honor, and something I will never forget," Foster wrote on his Twitter account.

Also on the daily agenda for the team was a visit to the gravesite of President John F. Kennedy and lunch at Fort Myer.

"This is an amazing experience for all of us," Harbaugh said. "How fortunate and blessed are we to experience a day like this. It's humbling, and we are so appreciative."