October 2020 – Bells of Peace Phone Application
5 months ago
Veterans Day and the National Salute are just around the corner. The United States Foundation for the Commemoration of the World Wars (formerly the World War I Centennial Commission) partnered with us in 2017 on the concept of ringing bells during the National Salute, and created the Bells of Peace phone application for the public to use during the National Salute, as well as for any ceremony where bells would be appropriate but unable to have on hand.
The new versions of the Bells of Peace application can be found by visiting their website, and we encourage everybody to use the application during planned community events on Veterans Day this year.
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April 16, 2021 - Centennial Tidbit #26 Released
Posted April 16, 2021 in CentennialSince our last update we have released new tidbit spotlighting on the answer to the question “What does the Tomb of the Unknow Soldier mean to you?” and “What does the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier...
TUS100 Update – April 14, 2021
Posted April 14, 2021 in CentennialCheck out the latest UPDATE on TUS100 as well as the release of Centennial Tidbit #25 - Special Drummers of The United States Army Band, Part...
March 23, 2021 – TUS100 Update
Posted March 23, 2021 in CentennialDid you know? On March 24, 1926 the Secretary of War issued orders to the Commanding General of the Military District of Washington to the "Establishment of an Armed Guard at the Tomb of the Unknown...
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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).
