Commemorative Committee Support
2 years ago
All, the Commemorative Committee is seeking volunteers to assist with events across the US on key dates in the history of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Some of these are simple flower ceremonies, others more detailed. If you are interested in any of the dates listed below, please send me an email with what you are interested in:
March 25 - Anniversary of Military Tomb Guards at TUS in 1926.
April 6 - Anniversary of TOG assuming TUS (VA) in 1948.
May 11-13 - Vietnam Commission Events (VA) (TBD)
May 14 - Anniversary of disinterment of Vietnam Unknown Soldier (VA) in 1998.
May 15 - Anniversary of the selection of the Korean War Unknown Soldier (HI) in 1958.
May 17 - Anniversary of the designation of the Vietnam Unknown Soldier (HI) in 1958.
May 26 - Anniversary of selection of World War II Unknown Soldier at sea in 1958.
May 28 - Anniversary of double internment of World War II and Korean War Unknown Soldier (VA) in 1958.
May 30 - Anniversary of the burial of the Vietnam Unknown Soldier (VA) in 1984.
July 2 - Anniversary of 24-hr vigil at TUS (VA) in 1937.
September 2 - Day of Honor (MT)
October 24 - Anniversary of the selection of World War I Unknown Soldier at Chalons-en-Champagne (FR) in 1921
October 24 - Anniversary of return of unselected candidates to Meuse-Argonne American Cemetery
October 25 - Anniversary of the departure of the World War I Unknown Soldier from Le Havre (FR) in 1921
October 25 - Anniversary of the assumption of World War I Unknown Soldier aboard USS Olympia (PA) in 1921
November 3-4-5 – Reunion 2023 (VA) (TBD)
November 9 - Anniversary of arrival of World War I Unknown Soldier at the Navy Yard (DC) in 1921
November 9 - Anniversary of the completion of the mission to bring home the World War I Unknown Soldier aboard the USS Olympia (PA) in 1921
November 11 - Anniversary of the burial of the World War I Unknown Soldier at TUS in 1921 (VA)
November 17 - Anniversary of civilian guards at TUS (VA) in 1925
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Did you know?
How many times will a Sentinel be on duty during the shift?
Each Relief has a 24 hour rotational work day. Ideally, four qualified Sentinels, one Relief Commander (RC), one Assistant Relief Commander (ARC), and several Sentinels in training comprise the Relief. The daily walk schedule is made by the RC or ARC and is dependent on the number of Sentinels who are proficient enough to guard the Tomb in front of the public. Generally, the Sentinel will do several walks back to back and then be done for the day. However, in extreme cases, Sentinels have been known to go back-to-back (every other walk) for the entire shift.