U.S. Navy Veteran, Thomas Spivey, Passes Away
3 years ago
With a heavy heart, we inform you of the passing of a U.S. Navy Veteran, Thomas Spivey, on August 19, 2022. Petty Officer Third Class Tom Spivey was an 18-year-old fireman with a place in history as one who stood Honor Guard over the Unknown Soldier of World War II, as the remains were carried home across the Atlantic on the USS Blandy in 1958. “It was a humbling honor to escort the remains of the unknown service man in that flag-draped casket.”
Click the link below for an article featuring Thomas.
News Article
Click the link below for an amazing insight of the journey of the Unknown Soldiers in 1958
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Did you know?
Has anyone ever tried to get past the Tomb guards, or attempted to deface the Tomb?
Yes, that is the reason why we now guard the Tomb. Back in the early 1920's, we didn't have guards and the Tomb looked much different. It was flat at ground level without the 70 ton marble 'cap'. People often came to the cemetery in those days and a few actually used the Tomb as a picnic area, likely because of the view. Soon after in 1925, they posted a civilian guard. In 1926, a US Army soldier was posted during cemetery hours. On July 1, 1937 guard duty was expanded to the 24 hour watch. Since then, the ceremony has evolved throughout the years to what you see today. Today, most of the challenges faced by the Sentinels are tourists who are speaking too loudly or attempting to get a better picture (by entering the post).
