Society Receives the DAR President Generals Medallion
2 months ago
"With deep appreciation and immense gratitude for your organization’s efforts in preserving the history of the Tomb of the Unknown Solider – including the incredible Centennial Commemorations held this past year – the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution seeks the opportunity to honor the Society of the Honor Guard during our upcoming 131st Continental Congress."
Former Society President Gavin McIlvenna was welcomed into the historic Constitution Hall of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) on July 2, 2022 during the National Defense Night ceremonies of their 131st Continental Congress where outgoing NSDAR President General Denise VanBuren presented the President Generals Medallion to the Society for their work in leading the Centennial of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in 2021.
NSDAR and all the chapters played a huge role in getting the word out on Centennial projects, news, and interacting with their communities to plant Never Forget Gardens across the United States and in Europe.
"I am humbled to be with you tonight to accept the President General's Medallion on behalf of the Society of the Honor Guard, Tomb of the Unknown Soldier....My personal thanks to Mrs. Judy Ekeler, the National Vice Chair for the 100th Anniversary of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and your tireless efforts to help our two organizations work together towards one goal." - Gavin McIlvenna
Over the past few years DAR "opened your chapter doors and helped current and former Tomb Guards conduct over 260 education presentations on the history of the Unknown Soldiers buried on the plaza of the Memorial Amphitheater and the Sentinels who stand the eternal vigil." said McIlvenna. He also recognized the recent call for volunteers was sent to crochet poppies to be placed at the Stonehenge Memorial in Goldendale, Washington and help jump start the natural poppies of Never Forget Garden that having a hard time growing.
In October 2021 NSDAR President General VanBuren accompanied members of the Society as they conducted an historic pilgrimage following in the footsteps of the World War I Unknown Soldier from the cemeteries where unknown candidates were removed, to the selection site and final port of call in France.
NSDAR and the Society will continue to work together advancing the Never Forget Garden project.
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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.
