0057
James Laettner
Tomb Relief
Tomb Dates
Nov 1966 - Nov 1967Society Membership
MemberObituary
June 12, 1945 – May 25, 2013 James J. Laettner, a retired Buffalo teacher who served as an honor guard at the Tomb of the Unknowns in Arlington National Cemetery, died Saturday in his home in Tampa, Fla., after a struggle with cancer. He was 67. Born in Buffalo, he was a graduate of McKinley High School, where he trained in plumbing. Drafted into the Army, he served as an honor guard at the Tomb of the Unknowns in 1966 and 1967.Returning from service, he continued training with Plumbers Local 36, later Local 22, then earned his teaching degree from Buffalo State College. Mr. Laettner taught plumbing at McKinley High School for 32 years and was honored as Teacher of the Year. He retired in 2002 and moved to Florida. Known to his friends as “Nipper,” he enjoyed golfing and travel. Surviving are his wife, the former Sandra Wilke; two sons, Jason and Evan; a stepson, Frederick Ullrich; two brothers, George and Francis; a sister, Irene Zawadski; and his first wife, the former Linda Martin. James’ ashes are inurned at Arlington National Cemetery Columbarium court 7.Memories & Condolences
I was a sentinel on the first relief. I relieved Jim on the mat. We were close and had some great times. I am smiling now Jimmy just thinking about some of the things. Mike Odell told me you passed, you had been gone three years when I found out. I guess over the years we all drift apart and don't stay close, lose track of each other but one thing never changes is the close brotherhood we have. R.I.P. Jimmy.
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Did you know?
Has anyone ever tried to get past the Tomb guards, or attempted to deface the Tomb?
Yes, that is the reason why we now guard the Tomb. Back in the early 1920's, we didn't have guards and the Tomb looked much different. It was flat at ground level without the 70 ton marble 'cap'. People often came to the cemetery in those days and a few actually used the Tomb as a picnic area, likely because of the view. Soon after in 1925, they posted a civilian guard. In 1926, a US Army soldier was posted during cemetery hours. On July 1, 1937 guard duty was expanded to the 24 hour watch. Since then, the ceremony has evolved throughout the years to what you see today. Today, most of the challenges faced by the Sentinels are tourists who are speaking too loudly or attempting to get a better picture (by entering the post).
