Gary Robertson
Tomb Position
SentinelTomb Relief
Tomb Dates
Jun 1961 - May 1962Society Membership
Lifetime MemberObituary
Gary Robertson, 73, of Mt. Rainier, Maryland, passed from our world surrounded by his family on April 21, 2014, following a courageous battle with cancer. Gary was born June 11, 1940 in Washington, DC and grew up in Hyattsville, Maryland. Gary attended Northwestern High School, where he was a star athlete and Washington Metropolitan area wrestling champion. Following high school, Gary spent several years in the US Army as a paratrooper, ranger and ultimately a relief commander guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington Cemetery. Gary graduated from the University of Maryland and taught high school English for several years before turning to a career in accounting. Gary loved to hike and camp and had a passion for art, music and photography. During the last decades of his life, Gary and his wife turned selflessly to the care of children born with severe handicaps, initially as foster parents and ultimately as adoptive parents. Gary is preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Daniel Robertson; and his adopted daughter, Anna Herres. Gary is survived by his wife, Abigail Herres; his first wife, JoAnn Robertson and their three children Mark Robertson, Dawn Coapstick (Bryan) and Paul Robertson; his adopted children Alfreda and Kentrell Herres; and his grandchildren Tyler and Rachel Coapstick.Memories & Condolences
He was a close & good friend of mine & my family. He was a good man and I think of him quite often.... LOVE YOU GARY
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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?
Is it true after two years, the guard is given a wreath pin that is worn on their lapel signifying they served as Guard of the Tomb, that there are only 600 presently worn, and that the Guard must obey these rules for the rest of their lives or give up the wreath pin?
The Tomb Guard Identification Badge (TGIB) is awarded after the Sentinel passes a series of tests. The TGIB is permanently awarded after a Sentinel has served nine months as a Sentinel at the Tomb. Over 600 have been awarded since its creation in the late 1950's (on average 10 per year). And while the TGIB can be revoked, the offense must be such that it discredits the Tomb of the Unknowns. Revocation is at the 3rd Infantry Regimental Commander’s discretion and can occur while active duty or even when the Sentinel is a civilian. The TGIB is a full size award, worn on the right pocket of the uniform jacket, not a lapel pin.
