Tomb Guard Myth Series #2 Released

3 years ago

Tomb Guards have extensive knowledge of the history behind the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington National Cemetery. Over the years we have found that there are many myths surrounding this history and the duty that Sentinel's perform. A decade ago, there was an email that was floating around the internet that provided "answers" to some of these myths.

Great intentions, but unfortunetly most of what was written was wrong and this series will help clear up the record.

Recorded by the Society, this series will interview Tomb Guards from different eras and work through that email, and answer questions we have been asked when we conduct free presentations to the public as part of our educational mission in the Society and dispel any myths that are out there.

Hear the answers, and much more, directly from the Tomb Guards who served at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

Episode #2 dives deeper and answers the question of "Why does the Sentinel carry the rifle on the same shoulder all the time?" and resolves the myth that "The Marines guard the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier."

Tomb Guards have extensive knowledge of the history behind the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington National Cemetery. Over the years we have found that there are many myths surrounding this history and the duty that Sentinel's perform. A decade ago, there was an email that was floating around the internet that provided "answers" to some of these myths.

Great intentions, but unfortunetly most of what was written was wrong and this series will help clear up the record.

Recorded by the Society, this series will interview Tomb Guards from different eras and work through that email, and answer questions we have been asked when we conduct free presentations to the public as part of our educational mission in the Society and dispel any myths that are out there.

Hear the answers, and much more, directly from the Tomb Guards who served at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

Episode #2 dives deeper and answers the question of "Why does the Sentinel carry the rifle on the same shoulder all the time?" and resolves the myth that "The Marines guard the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier."

It should be noted that while the US Army provides the Sentinels that stand the eternal vigil at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, each service has provided escorts to the Unknowns from their selection points to their final resting place.

The US Navy and US Marnie Corps watched over the World War I Unknown Soldier while in transit from France to the United States aboard the USS Olympia (see: Difficult Journey Home) in 1921.

In 1958 and 1984 all branches served as escorts for the World War II, Korean War (see: Standing the Watch Alone) and Vietnam War Unknown (see: Welcome Home) Soldiers as they traveled to the land of their birth and final resting place on the plaza of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

The host for the series is former Society President and 1st Relief Commander SGM (Ret) Gavin McIlvenna (1997-98).

Tomb Guards in this episode are:

* Carnell Nettles, 2nd Relief (1983-85), Sentinel and Assistant Relief Commander

* SSG (Ret) Joseph Hull, 3rd Relief (2007-10), Sentinel and Assistant Relief Commander

* SFC (Ret) Roy May, Second Relief (2002-05)