Alfred E Savard
Tomb Position
SentinelTomb Relief
1stHighest Military Rank
Specialist 3rd ClassTomb Dates
Sep 1956 - Feb 1957Military Dates
Jan 1955 - Jan 1958Society Membership
Lifetime MemberHome City / State
Pacomia, CACurrent City / State
Lake Arrowhead, CATomb Reflections
I was on guard duty the fall of 1956 when the Gold Star Mothers of the First World War laid a wreath. They were all dressed in white skirts and blouses, caps with gold braids and shoulder wraps. The relationship between the Gold Star Mothers and the WWI Unknown Soldier was that the Unknown Soldier interred on the plaza could have been one of their sons. A very humbling moment for me.Memories & Condolences
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Awards & Decorations
Tomb Guard Identification Badge**There were 30 Tomb Guard Identification Badges that have no numbers because the awards did not start until February 1958, but thanks to the Board of Directors of the Society of the Honor Guard, Tomb of the Unknown Soldier (SHGTUS), these medals were awarded. I am proud to be one of them.
Support 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.
Learn More
Did you know?
Are the shoes specially made with very thick soles to keep the heat and cold from their feet?
The shoes are standard issue military dress shoes. They are built up so the sole and heel are equal in height. This allows the Sentinel to stand with a straight back and perpendicular to the ground. A side effect of this is that the Sentinel can "roll" on the outside of the build up walking down the mat. Done correctly, the hat and bayonet will appear to not "bob" up and down with each step. It gives a more formal, fluid and smooth look to the walk, rather than a "marching" appearance.
The soles have a steel tip on the toe and a "horseshoe" steel plate on the heel. This prevents wear on the sole and allows the Sentinel to move smoothly during his movements when he turns to face the Tomb and then back down the mat.
Then there is the "clicker". It is a shank of steel attached to the inside of the face of the heel build-up on each shoe. It allows the Sentinel to heel click during certain movements. A guard change is considered great when all the heel clicks fall together and sound as one click. The guard change is occasionally done in the "silent" mode (as a sign of devotion to the Unknowns) with no voice commands - every thing is done in relation to the heel clicks and on specific counts.
