November 20, 2020 – Centennial Tidbit #10 (USS Olympia) & #11 (National Salute from Oregon) Released
1 year ago

Please 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
Latest News
“In Valor There is Hope”
Posted May 16, 2022 in Society SpotlightOn 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...
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...
Support the Society
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.
Learn More
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.