0133
William Brietzke
Tomb Position
SentinelTomb Relief
Tomb Dates
Dec 1972 - Oct 1973Society Membership
MemberHome City / State
Rogers City, MICurrent City / State
Rogers City, MIObituary
William "Bill" BRIETZKE, 53, of Rogers City, Michigan, entered into eternal rest on September 14, 2005. He was born on September 4, 1952 in Rogers City, Michigan. He was a Veteran of the United States Army having served as a Tomb Guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Virginia. He graduated from Rogers City High School in 1970, and from Wayne State University in 1988 with a degree in Mortuary Science. He owned and operated the Bill Brietzke Funeral Home in Rogers City. He was survived by his wife Gwen Brietzke; children Haley, Megan, and Alec; mother Beatrice Schalk (Ralph) of Hawks, Michigan; brothers Robert (Janet) of Rogers City, Richard (Andrea) of Jackson, Michigan, and David (Jennine) of Saginaw, Michigan; and many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his father Henry August Brietzke. Burial in Faith Cemetery, Hawks, Michigan.Memories & Condolences
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3d United States Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard)Awards & Decorations
Tomb Guard Identification BadgeSupport the Society
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.
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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.
