Special Art Honors Crow Nation
3 years ago
As the 27th Day of Honor approached the Society wanted to present something special to the members of the Chief Plenty Coup Honor Guard and the Crow Nation to mark their participation in the national commemoration of the Centennial of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier (1921-2021).
Mrs. Joyce Ranum, wife of former Tomb Guard John Ranum (1960) and Life Founding Member of the Society, has been working with oil paintings for many years and offered to capture some of the iconic moments when the Crow were in Arlington National Cemetery on November 9-10, 2021. Joyce had this to say about the experience of creating these beautiful pieces:
“Both are oil on canvas. I started them about July 11 and worked several hours most every day until August 22. While one was partially drying, I worked on the other one. The choice of the subject matter presented a real challenge due to the detail."
"When working on the paintings I was wishing I knew more about the symbolism of the headdresses and traditional clothing. They were all different, and very intricate.”
The two works of art were presented to the Crow Nation on September 3, 20200 at the Chief Plenty Coups State Park, where they will be on display for all visitors to see. Joyce and John were able to meet members of the Chief Plenty Coups Honor Guard and talk with them about their experience during the Centennial.
“At the Day of Honor Celebration, after the presentation of my paintings to the Tribe, I was honored to meet the subjects of my paintings which was the highlight of the day for me.” - Joyce Ranum, Artist
Along with the art, the Society presented postcards of both pieces to be distributed to the Crow Nation. Copies of these postcards and prints will be available for purchase in the Society store at a later date.
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...
Winter Rose Protection for Niphetos in your Never Forget Garden
Posted October 2, 2023 in Centennial{!{rs}!}**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...
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...
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.
