Dennis J. McMahon III

Tomb Reflections

One day while on the mat early on a Summer morning in 1988, an elderly gentleman stood on the South end of the Plaza, near the chains. Every time I came to a stop and faced DC, he told me portions of a story, which still effects me to this day. He started by telling me that as far as he was concerned, I (and the other Sentinels) was guarding the majority of his family. His father had been missing since WWII while serving in the Army in Italy. His Uncle served in Korea, and never came home and his son served in Vietnam and was listed as missing. He had no other brothers or sons. So as far as he was concerned, the sentinels were watching over his loved ones. He told me bit by bit for my entire one half hour tour, weeping the entire time. After the guard change I returned to the plaza for a wreath laying ceremony, and the man was gone. I still think about him to this day. It gave me the sense of meaning for the small sacrifice I was making in guarding the Unknowns. I am sure there are numerous people who are missing loved ones, who probably feel the same way. I know I can never feel or fully understand their pain, however, I can take solace in knowing I did a good and honorable thing for my country and its citizens.

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