Frederick Kenton Bartrem
Tomb Position
SentinelTomb Relief
1stHighest Military Rank
SP4Tomb Dates
Jan 1958 - Dec 1959Society Membership
--Select One--Tomb Reflections
"It is hard to pick only one memorable moment at the Tomb. But there is one that does stand out. It was a rainy day and I was in the sentry box standing at parade rest. No one was around. I saw a lady come walking up the steps leading to the Tomb. She knelt down on the wet steps & spent quite a bit of time there. Finally, she crossed herself, got up and started walking my way. I came to attention and stared at the box at the other end of the mat. She spoke to me & then she said "Oh, I understand, you are not supposed to speak to me" and she turned and went down the steps. All I could think was this lady lost a father, a husband or a son in one of our wars & this place meant a great deal to her. That left a real impression on this 20-year-old who was privileged to witness this act of reverence. "Memories & Condolences
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Units & Campaigns
3d United States Infantry (The Old Guard)Awards & Decorations
Army Commendation Medal
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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?
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.
