John B. Sassaman
Tomb Position
SentinelTomb Relief
1stHighest Military Rank
SergeantTomb Dates
Jan 1971 - Nov 1971Society Membership
Founding FatherHome City / State
Grosse Pointe, MICurrent City / State
Northville, MIObituary
John Sassaman moved from Pennsylvania to Grosse Pointe Woods, Michigan in 1951 at the age of 7. After high school he joined the U.S. Army and was sent to Arlington Cemetery to serve as an honorary guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
Following his service to our Country, John attended and graduated from the Detroit School of Mortuary Science. The care, devotion and respect he demonstrated in the Army was put to good use in this new career, working with grieving families.
John moved to Northville in 1986 and purchased the funeral home on Seven Mile and Northville Roads. He immediately settled into the community, where his passion for serving was evidenced through his participation in groups such as the Chamber of Commerce, Rotary, Civic Concern and Habitat for Humanity. He even joined the City of Northville Fire Department.
In 2010 John was diagnosed with cancer. As the treatments began to take their toll, John was no longer able to serve families the way he wanted to. So, in 2014 he sold his funeral home to the Griffin family, knowing that they would proudly continue what he had worked so hard to establish.
John will be remembered as a caring, kindhearted man who put service to community at the forefront of his life. The Griffin Family is proud to continue John's legacy, promising to provide care, empathy and respect to the people of the Northville area.
Outside Tributes
TributeMemories & Condolences
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Units & Campaigns
3d United States Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard)Awards & Decorations
National Defense Service MedalArmy Service Ribbon
Guard, Tomb of the Unknown Soldier Identification Badge
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The Society of the Honor Guard, Tomb of the Unknown Soldier (SHGTUS) is able to provide our programs, events, assistance, scholarships, and services due to the generosity of its members, organizations, and individuals. SHGTUS does not receive institutional funding. Note: The Society of the Honor Guard, Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is a 501(c)(3) organization, so your contributions may be fully tax deductible.
Learn More
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.
