Newest Tomb Guards
4 years ago
We 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 is one of the rarest awarded badges in the United States Army, and to earn this special award Soldiers must complete three phases of testing and demonstrate a high degree of proficiency in general Army/Tomb Guard knowledge, wear and appearance of the various uniforms worn by Tomb Guards while on duty, mastery of the various guard changes and ceremonies conducted at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, and demonstrate verbal and written knowledge of over 12 different poems and 200 grave sites within Arlington National Cemetery.
An appropriate ceremony will follow keeping in mind current COVID restrictions.
Latest News
Dave Rappaport Speech from Reunion 2023
Posted November 6, 2023 in Special ReportSpeech presented to the 2023 Gathering of Tomb Guards Banquet for the Society of the Honor Guard, Tomb of the Unknown Soldier on November 4, 2023. Dear Honored dinner guests, It is indeed an honor...
Winter Rose Protection for Niphetos in your Never Forget Garden
Posted October 2, 2023 in Centennial{!{rs}!}**Article republished from the White Rose Journal: The Never Forget Garden Project. To find out more visit HERE** Follow these 10 tips, so your winter tender Niphetos will thrive every...
9/11 Ceremony - Paris 16EME
Posted September 27, 2023The History of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in 26 paintings by artist Dave Rappaport going on exhibit in France (three locations). Presented by the Military Women's Memorial and the Society of...
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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).
