
John Butchko
Tomb Relief
Tomb Dates
Aug 1959 - Oct 1960Society Membership
Founding FatherCurrent City / State
Swoyersville, PennsylvaniaObituary
Former Swoyersville Councilman John Butchko passed away Friday, September 9, 2011, at the Wilkes-Barre General Hospital. Born in Wilkes-Barre Township, a son of the late Charles and Anna Kish Butchko, John was a member of Holy Trinity Church, Swoyersville. He was employed by the Wyoming Valley Sewer Authority. John was a U.S. Army Veteran and was one of the Guards at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. He was a member of the American Legion Post 644, Swoyersville. John was also a founding member of the Society of Honor Guard Tomb of Unknown Soldier. He was very active in politics and served as a Councilman for the Borough of Swoyersville for many years. He was preceded in death by siblings, Ann, Marge, Mary, Michael and Helen. Surviving are his wife, the former Rosemarie Washko; children, Lynne McCann, Swoyersville; Maria Figmic, Nanticoke; John, Swoyersville, and Tammy Cook, Swoyersville; grandchildren, Abriel McCann, John and Matthew Butchko, Joshua, Ronald, Charles and Nicholas Cook; as well as sisters, Elizabeth Zbegner and Jean Miscavage, both of Plains Township.Outside Tributes
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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?
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.