“In Valor There is Hope”
On May 11, 2022 SFC (Ret) Chelsea Porterfield (2020-21) was the key note speaker during the Federal Protective Service annual wreath ceremony during National Police Week in Washington DC. As a former Military Police Officer and Sergeant of the Guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier she spoke about peace, victory, and valor and how they intertwine in the lives and duty of so many. Below are her comments during the ceremony: SFC (Ret) Chelsea Porterfield (2020-21) waits to present her remarks....
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Tomb Guard Identification Badge Ceremony
Posted May 16, 2022 in Society SpotlightOn 19 May 2022 at 1030, there will be an award ceremony to present the Tomb Guard Identification Badge (TGIB) to the following new Sentinels: Sergeant Jacob Sprosty (TGIB #697) Sergeant Kamille...
Tomb Guard Myth Series
Posted May 9, 2022 in Society SpotlightThe Society has launched a new video campaign addressing the many myths and questions Tomb Guards hear. Please check out Tomb Guard Myth Series #1...
Operation Pass the Torch
Posted May 8, 2022 in Special ReportThe Society of the Honor Guard, Tomb of the Unknown Soldier asks Americans to join us in our national campaign to observe Memorial Day in the way it was intended per the National Moment of...
New Committee Formed
Posted January 31, 2022 in Society SpotlightThe Board of Directors has approved the creation of the Commemorative Committee within the Society. Commemorative Committee will coordinate with organizations that have ties to the Tomb of the...
From the President
Posted April 12, 2022 in The SentinelHere we are, 2022, welcome, I hope at the end of it we all have something great to talk about. It seems like only yesterday we were gathered together in Arlington for the largest Reunion to date: let...
Pilgrimage to France
Posted April 12, 2022 in Society SpotlightThe Pilgrimage to France to commemorate the Centennial Anniversary of the World War I Unknown was a plan long in the making, but well planned and constructed by many hands indeed. Although it took...
Leadership and Loss
Posted April 12, 2022 in Special ReportThere is one, single thing that moved me the most during the France Tour to honor the selection of the World War I Unknown Soldier. I wandered around all those First World War grave markers and saw...
Silence and Respect
Posted April 12, 2022 in The SentinelTomb Guards and the Public I’d like to do something a little different in this issue and pull back to a larger perspective of peoples’ experience of the Tomb. Normally, the newsletter focuses on...
A Gold Star Mother Remembers
Posted April 12, 2022 in Special ReportThe forest smell in Belleau Wood, the blanket of morning fog over farm fields just north of Paris, a beautiful sunrise over Omaha beach… pristine, manicured, bucolic loveliness; these images play...
2021 Reunion Wrap-Up
Posted January 2, 2022 in Society SpotlightWe have just completed our largest, most complicated Reunion and from the feedback I’ve received so far, it appears that we have a success story to tell. I think that those people who attended will...
2022-23 Board of Directors
Posted January 1, 2022 in Society SpotlightThank you to everyone who took the time to vote on the most recent Board of Directors ballot. This year there was a significant increase in members who stepped up and put their name in the hat for...
From the President-Elect
Posted January 1, 2022 in Society SpotlightHello to all our fine SHGTUS members. I’d like to start off by thanking everyone who had the chance to attend the Reunion this year. What a great time we all had, right? Its success is due to each of...
From the President
Posted December 31, 2021 in Society SpotlightI remember five years ago after the reunion waking up at the Cosby River house where we had been staying and looking out over foggy Belmont Bay thinking about how my term as President was not clearly...
TUS100 Update - November 3
Posted November 8, 2021Latest Update on TUS100 can be found HERE
TUS100 Update - October 30, 2021
Posted October 30, 2021 in Society SpotlightAll, thank you for your patience as the Society conducted official ceremonies in France to commemorate the Centennial of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Please see the UPDATE along with information...
Centennial Flag Project Update
Posted October 29, 2021 in Society SpotlightDownload the UPDATED Centennial Flag Project brief (v7)...
TUS100 France Update - Centennial Flag @ Chalons-en-Champagne
Posted October 29, 2021 in Society SpotlightThe UPDATE on the Centennial Flag and its use during official ceremonies in France for the 100th anniversary of the selection of the World War I Unknown Soldier in Chalons-en-Champagne....
TUS100 France Update - Centennial Flag @ Chalons-en-Champagne Vigil
Posted October 28, 2021 in CentennialUPDATE from France on the Centennial Flag and its use during the vigil at the Hotel de Ville in Chalons-en-Champagne....
TUS100 France Update - Centennial Flag @ Meuse-Argonne
Posted October 28, 2021 in CentennialLast ABMC cemetery in France that the Centennial Flag was flow at on October 23, 2021. View the UDPATE....
TUS100 France Update - Centennial Flag @ Somme
Posted October 28, 2021 in CentennialLatest UPDATE from France on the Centennial Flag as it is used at the Somme American Cemetery....
TUS100 France Update - Centennial Flag @ Aisne-Marne
Posted October 28, 2021 in CentennialUPDATE on the second American Battle Monument Commission (ABMC) Cemetery where the Centennial Flag was flow....
TUS100 France Update - Centennial Flag @ St. Mihiel
Posted October 28, 2021 in CentennialPlease see the UPDATE on the Centennial Flag Project as it arrives in France...
October 18, 2021 - Honoring the Battlefields of France – and the Centennial of America's Unknown Soldier
Posted October 19, 2021 in CentennialHere is an article written by Denise Doring VanBuren, President General of the Daughters of the American Revolution Honoring the Battlefields of France and the Centennial of Americas Unknown Soldier...
October 11, 2021 - TUS100 Update
Posted October 11, 2021 in Special ReportNew update with information on events in France and the US, along with the US Senate Resolution. Don't forget to check out the list of events....
October 8, 2021 – TUS100 Update
Posted October 9, 2021 in CentennialPlease see the latest UPDATE and EVENT list...
Updated List of Events - September 20, 2021
Posted September 20, 2021 in CentennialTUS100 List of Events as of 092021View the updated list HERE...
Welcome Home
Posted September 15, 2021 in CentennialThe final article written by former Vietnam Marine J.R. Neubeiser, covering the 1984 mission to bring home the Vietnam Unknown Soldier by elements of the US Navy and US Marine Corps can be found HERE...
September 15, 2021 – TUS100 Update
Posted September 15, 2021 in CentennialThe updated TUS100 Events by the Society and our partners can be found HERE...
Updated List of Events - September 9, 2021
Posted September 9, 2021 in CentennialTUS100 List of Events as of 090921View the updated list HERE...
TUS100 Update - September 3, 2021
Posted September 3, 2021 in CentennialNew update on events surrounding TUS100. Here is the link: TUS100 Update September 3 2021...
The Centennial Flag Project
Posted August 15, 2021 in CentennialFollow along as a special US flag travels in the century old footsteps of the World War I Unknown Soldier. Learn about the project by visiting HERE...
July 5, 2021 – TUS100 Update
Posted July 5, 2021The latest update from the Centennial Committee, including information on the released Centennial Tidbits #39-41, can be found HERE...
Standing the Watch Alone - Part 4
Posted June 27, 2021 in Society SpotlightTurning Home – Part 4 With the ceremony complete on the Canberra, the Boston turned north-west and set a course for the Norfolk Naval Base. The Blandy pulled along the port side of Canberra and began...
Standing the Watch Alone - Part 3
Posted June 27, 2021 in Society SpotlightThe Rendezvous – Part 3 The USSBoston (CA-69) was launched in August 1942 as a heavy cruiser of the Baltimore class. In January 1952 the Boston was reconfigured and reclassified as a guided missile...
Standing the Watch Alone - Part 2
Posted June 27, 2021 in Society SpotlightEpinal – Part 2 Planning for the selection of the Trans-Atlantic Unknown candidate was started by US Army Communications Zone Europe (COMZEUR) in late 1957, prior to involvement of Quartermaster...
Standing the Watch Alone - Part 1
Posted June 27, 2021 in Society Spotlight“When most people think about the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, they think of the United States Army. Most are unaware that every time the Unknown Soldier was brought home to the United States...
June 26, 2021 – TUS100 Update
Posted June 26, 2021 in CentennialUpdate for the end of June highlighting new event calendar, and Centennial Tidbits #37 and #38. Download the update HERE....
White Rose Bouquet of the Centennial
Posted June 24, 2021 in CentennialIn keeping with Society of the Honor Guard, Tomb of the Unknown Soldier Circular Letter #4, planners for all Centennial floral tributes are encouraged to use White Roses in wreaths and floral...
June 7, 2021 - TUS100 Update
Posted June 7, 2021 in CentennialDid you know? The Society is partnered with Arlington National Cemetery and proposed to the public flower ceremony to them back in 2018? See the latest update for more information...
June 3, 2021 TUS100 Update
Posted June 3, 2021All, thank you again for your support to the Society as we work with the government on the national commemoration for the Centennial of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier this year. Attached is the...
With the Hand of God He Will Be Delivered Home
Posted May 15, 2021 in Special ReportThe words of George M. Cohan’s popular song were being repeated by Americans in cinemas, corner bars and even churches. People decorated their streets, buildings and homes with red, white and blue...
Standing the Watch Alone
Posted May 15, 2021 in Society SpotlightOver the past few months the Centennial Committee has been working on the next edition to the stories behind the transportation of the Unknown Soldiers to the United States mainland. The first...
List of 2021 TUS100 Events
Posted May 15, 2021 in CentennialThe following events are being planned by the Society of the Honor Guard, Tomb of the Unknown Soldier (SHGTUS) in connection with various non-governmental, governmental, and non-profit organizations...
May 2, 2021 – TUS100 Update
Posted May 2, 2021Latest update from the Centennial Committee can be found HERE
Tidbit #28 Released - Special Drummers of The United States Army Band, Part 2
Posted April 27, 2021Part 2 of our talk with Special Drummers of The United States Army Band "Perishing's Own" and their preparations on their first mission at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. View the tidbit HERE...
Centennial Tidbit #27 Released
Posted April 21, 2021In episode #27 we talk with artist Matt Tavares about his work on the children's book "Twenty-One Steps". You can view the tidbit HERE...
April 16, 2021 - Centennial Tidbit #26 Released
Posted April 16, 2021 in CentennialSince our last update we have released new tidbit spotlighting on the answer to the question “What does the Tomb of the Unknow Soldier mean to you?” and “What does the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier...
TUS100 Update – April 14, 2021
Posted April 14, 2021 in CentennialCheck out the latest UPDATE on TUS100 as well as the release of Centennial Tidbit #25 - Special Drummers of The United States Army Band, Part 1...
March 23, 2021 – TUS100 Update
Posted March 23, 2021 in CentennialDid you know? On March 24, 1926 the Secretary of War issued orders to the Commanding General of the Military District of Washington to the "Establishment of an Armed Guard at the Tomb of the Unknown...
March 22, 2021 – Save the Date: Never Forget Garden Dedication
Posted March 22, 2021The Oregon State Society Daughters of the American Revolution have announced that they will be dedicating a Never Forget Garden at Southern Oregon Rehabilitation Center and Clinic in White City,...
Centennial Tidbit Spotlight - "Why is the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier important?"
Posted March 22, 2021 in Special ReportThe Centennial Committee recently asked a question about "Why is the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier important?" Not only to the individual, but to what it means to our nation. In this video we share the...
March 18, 2021 – Never Forget Garden planned at first VA Facility in the US
Posted March 18, 2021All, Spring is upon us and many individuals and organizations have jumped forward in their planning of Never Forget Gardens all across the US and in other countries, supporting the national...
March 15, 2021 – Centennial Tidbit #21 Released
Posted March 15, 2021 in CentennialThe Centennial Committee has hit a milestone with the release of Centennial Tidbit #21 - Spotlight on Twenty-One Steps.In this second short "spotlight" you will see the first reactions from a mother...
March 13, 2021 – Centennial Tidbit #20 Released
Posted March 14, 2021 in CentennialCentennial Tidbit #20 has been released and it highlights retired USAF Master Sergeant Jari Villanueva with Taps for Veterans, and the bugler for the internment ceremonies on November 11, 1921...
March 3, 2021 – #TUS100 Update
Posted March 3, 2021Over the past few weeks there have been updates to the website, releases of new tidbits, and the events list updated. You can view the press release HERE...
March 2, 2021 – Centennial Tidbit #18 Released
Posted March 2, 2021 in CentennialThe Centennial Committee is happy to release #18 of our tidbits leading up to #TUS100. This two-part episode returns to the USS Olympia and her operational history after the Battle of Manila Bay....
February 26, 2021 – Centennial Tidbit #17 Released
Posted February 26, 2021 in CentennialThe Centennial Committee is happy to release #17 of our tidbits leading up to #TUS100. This two-part episode returns to the USS Olympia and her role in the Battle of Manila Bay. The second part will...
February 22, 2021 – Centennial Tidbit #16 Released
Posted February 22, 2021 in CentennialCentennial Tidbit #16 - Author Philip Bigler has been released. You can find more information HERE...
2021 Veterans Day Poster Competition
Posted February 18, 2021 in CentennialThe Veterans Affairs is hosting a contest for the design of the 2021 National Veterans Day Poster for November 11, 2021. The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is the theme and instructions on how to...
American Rose Society President Article
Posted February 15, 2021 in CentennialThe Society has been working hand-in-hand with the American Rose Society for the past few years regarding the Never Forget Garden and identification of the rose used in October 1921 by Sergeant...
February 1, 2021 – Centennial Tidbit #15 Released
Posted February 1, 2021 in CentennialThe Centennial Committee is happy to release #15 of our tidbits leading up to #TUS100. This episode focuses on the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier Replica by the Exchange Club of Rome (GA). More...
January 26, 2021 – Save the Date: Never Forget Garden Dedication
Posted January 26, 2021 in CentennialThe American Rose Society has announced that they will be dedicating the Dave & Sandy Long ‘Never Forget Garden’ at America’s Rose Garden at the American Rose Center in Shreveport, Louisiana....
January 23, 2021 – Centennial Tidbit #14 Released
Posted January 23, 2021 in CentennialCentennial Tidbit #14 (The United States Army Band “Pershing’s Own”) has been released onto our YouTube channel. In this last episode we will be talking with members of Pershing's Own about what its...
Teaching the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier webinar - January 26, 2021
Posted January 19, 2021 in CentennialHistorians from Arlington National Cemetery (ANC) will be hosted by the National World War I Museum and Memorial on January 26, 2021 at 7:00pm where they will talk about the new educational module on...
"Journey Home" by SSG Sara Corry (TUSAB)
Posted January 17, 2021 in CentennialAs the Centennial of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier continues this year, we wanted again to share with you the work SSG Sara Corry of The United States Army Band "Pershing's Own" (TUSAB).We...
Newest Tomb Guards
Posted January 17, 2021 in Society SpotlightWe are very pleased to announce that the following Tomb Guards have passed the Tomb Guard Identification Badge test: SPC Pulte (TGIB #686)SPC Springer (TGIB #687)SFC Porterfield (TGIB #688) The TGIB...
Society 2021 Reunion Update
Posted January 17, 2021Reunion Registration The time has come to register for the upcoming 2021 Reunion. This year the reunion committee has decided to handle the registration process electronically. In order to register,...
January 10, 2021 – New Year Update and Call to Historians
Posted January 10, 2021 in CentennialPlease see the press release on our new website and a call to historians. View press release here: January 10, 2021 – New Year Update and Call to Historians...
Standing the watch at Sea in 1958
Posted December 31, 2020 in Special ReportWhen people think about the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, they think of the United States Army. Most are unaware that every time the Unknown Soldier was brought home it was aboard a US Navy vessel. In...
December 26, 2020 - Centennial Tidbit #12 and #13 (TUSAB) Released
Posted December 26, 2020 in CentennialPlease see the press release on the release of new Centennial Tidbits. View press release here: December 26, 2020 - Centennial Tidbit #12 and #13 (TUSAB) Released...
November 20, 2020 – Centennial Tidbit #10 (USS Olympia) & #11 (National Salute from Oregon) Released
Posted November 20, 2020 in CentennialPlease see the press release on the release of new Centennial Tidbits. View press release here: November 20, 2020 – Centennial Tidbit #10 (USS Olympia) & #11 (National Salute from Oregon) Released...
November 12, 2020 – Centennial Tidbit #7 (DAR), #8 (USS Olympia Marines Part 1), #9 (Olympia Marines Part2) Released
Posted November 12, 2020 in CentennialPlease see the press release on the release of new Centennial Tidbits. View press release here: November 12, 2020 – Centennial Tidbit #7 (DAR), #8 (USS Olympia Marines Part 1), #9 (Olympia Marines...
November 11, 2020 – French Embassy send message for Veterans Day
Posted November 11, 2020 in CentennialNovember 11, 2020 – French Embassy sends a message for Veterans Day The French Embassy in Washington DC has helped the Society dive into the history behind the medals presented in October and...
November 5, 2020 – TAPS FOR VETERANS joins the National Salute
Posted November 5, 2020 in CentennialPlease see the press release on the Veterans for Taps joining TUS100 efforts. View press release here: November 5, 2020 – TAPS FOR VETERANS joins the National Salute...
November 1, 2020 – Centennial Tidbit #4 (American Rose Garden), #5 (Maryhill Museum), and #6 (St. Paul’s) Released
Posted November 1, 2020 in CentennialPlease see the press release on the release of new Centennial Tidbits. View press release here: November 1, 2020 – Centennial Tidbit #4 (American Rose Garden), #5 (Maryhill Museum), and #6 (St....
October 2020 – Bells of Peace Phone Application
Posted October 27, 2020 in CentennialVeterans Day and the National Salute are just around the corner. The United States Foundation for the Commemoration of the World Wars (formerly the World War I Centennial Commission) partnered with...
October 2020 – National Salute Events
Posted October 22, 2020 in CentennialWe are getting word from all corners of the United States about different National Salute events being created in your communities. With the local and national restrictions of COVID some people are...
Centennial Tidbit #3 Released
Posted October 15, 2020 in CentennialA “spotlight” video interview in our Centennial Tidbit series has been released and we want to thank Jerry Frazier and the St. Paul’s Episcopal Church for taking the time to show us their Never...
The Society of the Honor Guard, Tomb of the Unknown Soldier Turns 20
Posted November 1, 2019 in Society SpotlightSociety of the Honor Guard, Tomb of the Unknown Soldier 1999 We formed a Society that provided the infrastructure needed for Tomb Guards, past and present, to continue serving the mission as...
Book Review: The Unknowns by Patrick K. O'Donnell
Posted April 14, 2018 in Special ReportI was recently sent an advanced reading copy of The Unknowns by the editor and was also asked to write up a review for the Society website. The Unknowns will be released on May 22, 2018. Advanced...
From the President
Posted July 7, 2017 in Society Spotlightby Gavin McILvenna (1997-98), SHGTUS President It been six months since I became the President, and it’s been even faster paced that I imagined it would be. I set many goals for 2017 back in January...
The Society has lost its champion, I have lost my best friend...
Posted July 7, 2017 in Society Spotlightby Richard Azzaro (1963-65) "With heavy heart, I want to let you know that we lost a good soldier last night. He fought hard to the end.” With these words, a dutiful and loving son announced the...
Paying Our Respects...
Posted July 6, 2017On January 18, the Society took time to remember Congressman Hamilton Fish III who passed away on this date in 1991. Congressman Fish III was a veteran of World War I (Captain, 369th U.S. Infantry...
Fifteen years ago today...
Posted September 11, 2016A short note on this 15th anniversary of September 11th. We often get questions about the Tomb Guard and what happened on that day fifteen years ago. I emailed the Sentinel who was posted that day...
The Newest Tomb Guards
Posted April 15, 2016The two newest Tomb Guard Identification Badges (TGIB) were earned after a lot of hard work. Private First Class Noah McKee earned TGIB #640, and became a SHGTUS Member. Sergeant Kevin Calderon...
Training the Honor Guard
Posted April 13, 2016 in Society Spotlightby Benjamin Bell, (2001-2004) In January, SHGTUS received a request to train the Tampa, Florida based Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office (HCSO) Honor Guard. Back in 2012, several of the officers...
The path from straight and narrow to Broken Arrow
Posted March 31, 2016 in Society SpotlightThis quarter we are highlighting one of our members businesses, Broken Arrow Emergency Systems, which was founded by Eric Delaune (1997-2000). The company is located in Lafayette, Louisiana and...
National Moment of Silence
Posted January 14, 2016 in CentennialBy Gavin McIlvenna, Centennial Committee Chairman On November 11th, members of the SHGTUS Centennial Committee facilitated the inaugural National Moment of Silence (NMS) project in five states across...
Busting Historical Myths with Professor Buzzkill
Posted November 6, 2015 in Special ReportWe are excited to announce that Lifetime Member Dennis McMahon (TGIB #320), was recently the interview subject of "Professor Buzzkill". Professor Buzzkill is a blog and podcast that explores history...
We Remember: William "Bill" Spates (TGIB #33)
Posted October 28, 2015William Richard Spates, Jr. was born September 8, 1939, in Washington, DC to a family with a long history of service to the United States. An avid history buff, he enlisted in the United States Army...
Five Years After... we remember SSG Adam Dickmyer
Posted October 28, 2015Adam L. Dickmyer was born on February 2, 1984 in York, Pennsylvania. He attended Mineral Springs Elementary and Middle Schools before graduating from Carver High School in 2002, where he participated...
Remembering SGT Franklin...
Posted October 2, 2015 in Special ReportMarvin “Lyle” Franklin Jr. was born on July 15, 1945 in Oklahoma City, where he graduated from Putnam City High School in 1963. He was a member of the Ioway Tribe of Kansas and Nebraska, the Putnam...
Remembering our Fallen – SGT Franklin
Posted September 30, 2015Tomb Guards Never Forget – SGT Marvin Lyle Franklin, Jr (TGIB #56) Marvin “Lyle” Franklin Jr. was born on July 15, 1945 in Oklahoma City, where he graduated from Putnam City High School in 1963. He...
Former Sentinel in the Spotlight
Posted September 30, 2015 in Society SpotlightFormer Sentinel Roy May (2002-04) has led a varied life — active duty soldier, Aggie Yell Leader and now barbecue pitmaster. May, Class of 2015 and Aggie Yell Leader from 2013-2015, has ventured into...
The Last Walk
Posted September 30, 2015 in Society SpotlightOn October 2, 2015 the first double Last Walk Ceremony in memory was held in the Memorial Display Room in Arlington National Cemetery. Just hours prior to this Sergeant Patrick Leamy and Sergeant...
International Beard Competition
Posted September 30, 2015 in Society SpotlightI retired in 2013 and as soon as I signed out I stopped shaving and haven’t shaved since. It wasn’t an infantile response to authority as much as it was an “I’m just tired of shaving every morning”...
Bonus Army
Posted July 28, 2015 in Special Report“The whole scene was pitiful.” July 28 marks the anniversary of the Army’s role in ousting the veterans of World War I from the national capital. The so-called “Bonus Army” was comprised of veterans...
Top of the World Turned Upside Down - A Tomb Guard's Experience at Everest
Posted July 7, 2015This past April a SHGTUS Founding Father, Larry Seaton (Tomb Guard Identification Badge #106, 1970-71), set out to summit Mount Everest. He was present when a MW 7.8 earthquake struck Nepal. He was...
Top of the World Turned Upside Down
Posted June 30, 2015 in Special ReportFour and one half years ago, at the age of fifty-nine, I discovered the world of alpine mountaineering. Since that beginning I have reached the summits of Mt. Shasta and Mt. Whitney in California,...
A Memorial Day poem: "Just A Common Soldier..."
Posted May 25, 2015Larry Vaincourt's classic poem was first published in his 1987 Remembrance Day newspaper column. There are several incorrect versions of this poem circulating the web; below you'll find the original...
National Medal of Honor Day
Posted March 25, 2015On this National Medal of Honor Day, we would like to share the citations for each Unknown as issued by the War Department and later the Department of Defense. World War I Unknown: By virtue of an...
African-American Tomb Guard recalls journey (guest post)
Posted February 2, 2015On the first week of African Amercian History Month, we would like to share this guest post from US Army SSG Megan Garcia. It originally was posted via the Army News Service in 2012. ARLINGTON, Va....
SHGTUS Reunion Highlights - Remarks from Patrick K. Hallinan, Executive Director, Army National Military Cemeteries
Posted January 7, 2015 in Society SpotlightAt our 2014 reunion banquet we were honored to have Patrick K. Hallinan as guest speaker. Mr. Hallinan served as Superintendent, Arlington National Cemetery from October 2010 to July 2013. Here are...
SHGTUS Reunion Highlights - 'Arlington Sons' Performance
Posted October 19, 2014 in Society SpotlightThere were many highlights from this past reunion. Perhaps the most unique was the performance of the musical piece, Arlington Sons, by David and Richard Pittsinger. David is a renowned Broadway star...
Four SHGTUS Members recieve THE ORDER OF SAINT MAURICE
Posted October 16, 2014 in Society SpotlightLast Saturday night at our 2014 banquet, four SHGTUS founding members received The Order of Saint Maurice on behalf of the National Infantry Association. The Order of Saint Maurice has five levels. A...
Remembering September 11th
Posted September 11, 2014One of the most frequent questions we receive from our "ask your own question" section here at tombguard.org is about September 11th, 2001. Here is my perspective. On September 11, 2001 I was...
Thomas Hudson Jones
Posted June 10, 2014Every soldier who has guarded the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier since the 1930s knows that Lorimer Rich and Thomas Hudson Jones were the two men chosen as the architect and the sculptor of the Tomb of...
Gold Star Mothers: A Memorial Day Memory
Posted May 26, 2014Lucky enough to have been one of the few who guarded the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier I can share a few thoughts about this very special day. My early memories of Memorial Day prior to time spent in...
Memorial Day is Every Day for One Verizon Volunteer (guest post)
Posted May 25, 2014 in Society SpotlightThis is a guest post (repost) from the Verizon News Center corporate blog, written by Peter Casale. The true meaning of Memorial Day goes much deeper than a three-day weekend. It’s a day of...
The Tragedy of Heroism: Charles W. Whittlesey
Posted December 1, 2013Charles Whittlesey was not one to acknowledge the accolades of others. He was a humble man but remained loyal to those with whom he served. His service in the First World War was the thing of legend...
Remembering 9/11/2001
Posted September 11, 2013 in Special ReportToday is the 12th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks. As our nation commemorates this day, the Society of the Honor Guard, Tomb of the Unknown Soldier remembers the innocent individuals who lost their...
Jumping Over Hitler’s Wall
Posted June 6, 2013Late in the evening of June 5, 1944, small groups of young Americans from the All American and Screaming Eagle airborne divisions began boarding C47 aircraft for a short flight from airbases in...
A Moment of Personal Reflection - May 14, 1998
Posted May 14, 2013Today marks the 15th anniversary of the disinterment of the Vietnam Unknown. It seems hard to believe that the middle crypt has been empty for that long. It now serves as a memorial to those that are...
Tomb Guard Identification Badge Ceremony Remarks
Posted April 19, 2013The following are remarks delivered by Neale Cosby on March 14, 2013 at Arlington National Cemetery upon the awarding of Tomb Guard Identification Badge #612 to PFC Jacob Davenport. Mr. Cosby is a...
Reflecting on the Vietnam Unknown
Posted April 4, 2013This is an abridged essay I wrote four years ago on Michael J. Blassie, the US Air Force lieutenant who would have been 65 years old today. 1LT Blassie was identified as the Vietnam Unknown in 1998....
Buglers of Arlington National Cemetery (Repost)
Posted March 27, 2013Repost from Buglers of Arlington National Cemetery by Jari Villanueva via TAPS BUGLER TAPS can be heard an average of thirty times a day at Arlington National Cemetery. The bugle call is sounded at...
To Provide a Military Guard
Posted March 22, 2013On March 2, 1926, Allen J. Furlow, a newly-elected Representative from Rochester, Minnesota, introduced what would become known as House Joint Resolution Number 185. The joint resolution called for...
Man of Sacrifice - Don Hollender
Posted December 7, 2012Arlington National Cemetery (ANC) has its share of heroes. As far as the eye can see, the simple white headstones are testament to their sacrifice. At some point we learn of those that stand out. Don...
Tomb Guards Never Forget… Adam Dickmyer
Posted October 28, 2012Today marks the two-year anniversary of the loss of Adam Dickmyer. He was killed in action on this day in 2010, in the Kanda-har Province of Afghanistan, protecting our freedoms. Adam was a husband,...
Frederick Douglass honors “The Unknown Loyal Dead” at Arlington National Cemetery [May 30, 1871]
Posted August 17, 2012This is a guest post by John Muller, from The Lion of Anacostia, via the Ghosts of DC. Arlington National Cemetery, the pre-Civil War home of Robert E. Lee, is a short Metro ride from Washington, DC....
Tomb Guards Never Forget: The Unknowns
Posted June 29, 2012I cry when I hear the national anthem of the United States, The Star-Spangled Banner. The tears, a mixture of joy, pride and sadness. Joy for the fact that I live in a country where I am free to...
Knowledge Corner: How to Become a Legend
Posted June 26, 2012You may think it is strange to pay tribute to a man more famous in death for something he didn’t do than for the actual heroic life he led. However, as many things are at Arlington National Cemetery,...
The Sentinel's Creed & Line 6
Posted June 22, 2012The Sentinel’s Creed is the Tomb Guard standard. The 99 words of the creed captures the true meaning of their duty. You will often hear the words “Line 6″ [1] proudly uttered by Tomb Guards as they...
Remembering the Battle of Midway
Posted June 6, 2012While June 6th is the anniversary of D-Day… let’s not forget the anniversary of the pivotal Battle of Midway, which is widely regarded as the most important naval battle of the Pacific Campaign of...
The Unknowns Project
Posted June 2, 2012 in Special ReportThe Society would like to introduce a film project - The Unknowns - in support [1] of its producer, Ethan Morse. Ethan is a Tomb Guard Member of the Society. The Unknowns, as described by Ethan, is:...
Tomb Guards Never Forget: William R. Charette
Posted May 23, 2012In March, a key member of the heritage of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and Congressional Medal of Honor recipient William “Doc” Charette died at his home in Lake Wales, Florida. He was 79. William...
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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?
How many Sentinels have been female?
There have been over 680 tomb guards awarded the badge since 1958 when we started counting. There are hundreds more from the year 1926 when the Army started guarding the Tomb. The 3rd US Infantry (The Old Guard) is the unit that has been given the duty of guarding the Tomb. It was given this sacred duty in 1948. The Old Guard was -- and still is -- considered a combat unit. As an Infantry unit, females were not permitted in the ranks for many years. It wasn't until 1994 that females were permitted to volunteer to become a Sentinel when the 289th Military Police Company was attached to the Old Guard. The MP branch is a combat support unit and includes females.
In 1996, SGT Heather Johnson became the first female to earn the Tomb Guard Identification Badge. She volunteered for duty in June 1995 and earned her badge in 1996. However, SGT Johnson was not the only female Sentinel. Since then, there have been a total of five female Sentinels awarded the Tomb Guard Identification Badge:
SGT Danyell Wilson earned
her badge in 1997
SSG Tonya Bell received hers in 1998
SGT Ruth
Hanks earned her badge in June 2015
SFC Chelsea Porterfield earned her badge in 2021
Several other units have since been attached to the Old Guard -- food service, transportation, medics, etc. -- so now females have an ever greater opportunity to become a Sentinel. Females must meet the same requirements as the male soldiers to be eligible to volunteer at the Tomb. the only difference is that females have a minimum height of 5'8" -- which is the same standard to be a member of the Old Guard.
