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Olympia Journey Home Challenge Coin
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Olympia Journey Home Challenge Coin
This challenge coin commemorates the journey home of the WW1 Unknown Soldier aboard the U.S.S. Olympia. The front of the coin features an image of the U.S.S. Olympia powering through rough seas. Both the ship and the waves are rendered in 3D. The two anchors on each side represent the ports of Le Harve, France and the Washington Navy Yard, where the ships journey began and ended. The backside of the coin features the name of the ship's Captain Henry Lake Wyman, and the name of the Captain of the U.S. Marine Corps detachment Graves B. Erskine, assigned to escort the Unknown Soldier home on board the ship, to the United States. The center of the coin features the words of ships Chaplain Lt. Duff given to the crew during a prayer service as a hurricane lashed the ship on its way home. Each coin measures 2'' in diameter and has a shiny gold finish.
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Did you know?
How long does the Sentinel hesitate after the facing movement to begin the return walk? Is the rifle carried on the same shoulder all the time?
The Sentinel does not execute an about face, rather they stop on the 21st step, then turn and face the Tomb for 21 seconds. They then turn to face back down the mat, change the weapon to the outside shoulder, mentally count off 21 seconds, then step off for another 21 step walk down the mat. They face the Tomb at each end of the 21 step walk for 21 seconds. The Sentinel then repeats this over and over until the the Guard Change ceremony begins.
