Newest Tomb Guards
3 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 to...
Winter Rose Protection for Niphetos in your Never Forget Garden
Posted October 2, 2023 in Centennial**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 season!...
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 the...
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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.
