The Centennial Flag Project
1 month ago
Follow along as a special US flag travels in the century old footsteps of the World War I Unknown Soldier. Learn about the project by visiting HERE
Latest News
Updated List of Events - September 20, 2021
Posted September 20, 2021 in CentennialTUS100 List of Events as of 092021View the updated list...
Welcome Home
Posted September 15, 2021 in CentennialThe final article written by former Vietnam Marine J.R. Neubeiser, covering the 1984 mission to bring home the Vietnam Marine by elements of the US Navy and US Marine Corps can be found HERE You can...
September 15, 2021 – TUS100 Update
Posted September 15, 2021 in CentennialThe updated TUS100 Events by the Society and our partners can be found...
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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?
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.
