October 2020 – National Salute Events
5 years ago
We are getting word from all corners of the United States about different National Salute events being created in your communities. With the local and national restrictions of COVID some people are suspending their events, yet others are finding creative ways to continue the local traditions while remaining safe and in compliance with guidelines.
Some of the highlights so far include the National Salute being included into:
- 21-gun salute from shore batteries at the historic Washington Navy Yard in the District of Columbia.
- A small ceremony in Spokane, Washington hosted by the Daughters of the American Revolution.
- Gathering of local veterans around a flagpole to recite the Pledge of Allegiance hosted by the American Legion Auxiliary Unit 166 at the DeLeon Plaza Gazebo in downtown Victoria, Texas.
- Short outside service and bell ringing hosted by St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in The Dalles, Oregon.
- The annual Veteran’s Day Wreath-Laying Ceremony at the World War II and Civil War Memorials in the City of Birmingham, Michigan hosted by the Daughters of the American Revolution.
- Bell ringing by staff of the Maryhill Museum of Art at the Stonehenge War Memorial in Goldendale, Washington.
- Ringing of a 1850 farm bell at the grave of Sergeant Archer’s grave in Osceola, Indiana at Chapel Hill Memorial Park, followed by a wreath ceremony.
If you are planning to include the National Salute in your communities Veterans Day events, please share them with us we can help get the word out!
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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.
