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.
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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.
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Did you know?
Is it true after two years, the guard is given a wreath pin that is worn on their lapel signifying they served as Guard of the Tomb, that there are only 600 presently worn, and that the Guard must obey these rules for the rest of their lives or give up the wreath pin?
The Tomb Guard Identification Badge (TGIB) is awarded after the Sentinel passes a series of tests. The TGIB is permanently awarded after a Sentinel has served nine months as a Sentinel at the Tomb. Over 600 have been awarded since its creation in the late 1950's (on average 10 per year). And while the TGIB can be revoked, the offense must be such that it discredits the Tomb of the Unknowns. Revocation is at the 3rd Infantry Regimental Commander’s discretion and can occur while active duty or even when the Sentinel is a civilian. The TGIB is a full size award, worn on the right pocket of the uniform jacket, not a lapel pin.
