Robert Van Wieren
Tomb Position
SentinelTomb Relief
Tomb Dates
Aug 1960 - Aug 1962Society Membership
MemberObituary
Robert Dale "Bob" Van Wieren, 75, entered into eternal rest on October 1, 2013. He was born in 1938, in Holland, Michigan, to Adrianna and John Van Wieren. Following graduation from Holland High School, Bob served in the United States Army. He was very proud to serve as a Tomb Guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at the Arlington National Cemetery. He received several accolades while serving at the Tomb, including; longest-serving Tomb Guard, first to be married and become a father at the Tomb, and featured on a national "We Want You" poster for the Army and in the national news show "The Huntley-Brinkley Report". After his service, he returned to Holland with his wife to work and raise his family. His family was very important to him. He loved spending time with all of them and attended many of his children's and grandchildren's sporting events and school programs. He was very proud of them. He was always willing to go out of his way to help everyone whenever they needed it. He also loved hunting, fishing and working around the house. He was a skilled craftsman in wood working, restoration of cars, motorcycles, and most recently, his vintage Chris Craft boat. He is survived by his wife Merry; children Tod Van Wieren (Janet) of Grand Ledge, Michigan, Vicky Jackson (Mark) of Holland, Tim Van Wieren (Christina) of Zeeland, Michigan, Mark Van Wieren (Peg) of West Olive, Michigan, Ben Van Wieren of Holland, and Jon Van Wieren of Holland; and many loving grandchildren, family, and friends. Graveside services with military honors will be held on October 7, 2013 at Pilgrim Home Cemetery, Holland, Michigan.Memories & Condolences
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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?
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).
