March 18, 2021 – Never Forget Garden planned at first VA Facility in the US
4 years ago
All, 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 commemoration of the Centennial of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Attached is the press release for the NFG that is under development, with a planned dedication date on July 17th at the Veterans Affairs Southern Oregon Rehabilitation Center.
The garden drawing was used by permission of the artist Janis Arlandson-Coder.
View the press release HERE
If you are planning a dedication for your community's Never Forget Garden, please reach out to our Never Forget Garden team so we can add you to the calendar and share your hard work and ideas.
Never Forget Garden Team:
Richard Azzaro, Project Director (SHGTUS), razzaro@verizon.net
Marilyn Wellen, Project Director (American Rose Society), roseusa@suddenlink.net
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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?
Are the shoes specially made with very thick soles to keep the heat and cold from their feet?
The shoes are standard issue military dress shoes. They are built up so the sole and heel are equal in height. This allows the Sentinel to stand with a straight back and perpendicular to the ground. A side effect of this is that the Sentinel can "roll" on the outside of the build up walking down the mat. Done correctly, the hat and bayonet will appear to not "bob" up and down with each step. It gives a more formal, fluid and smooth look to the walk, rather than a "marching" appearance.
The soles have a steel tip on the toe and a "horseshoe" steel plate on the heel. This prevents wear on the sole and allows the Sentinel to move smoothly during his movements when he turns to face the Tomb and then back down the mat.
Then there is the "clicker". It is a shank of steel attached to the inside of the face of the heel build-up on each shoe. It allows the Sentinel to heel click during certain movements. A guard change is considered great when all the heel clicks fall together and sound as one click. The guard change is occasionally done in the "silent" mode (as a sign of devotion to the Unknowns) with no voice commands - every thing is done in relation to the heel clicks and on specific counts.
