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)
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Did you know?
Is it true after two years, the guard is given a wreath pin that is worn on their lapel signifying they served as Guard of the Tomb, that there are only 600 presently worn, and that the Guard must obey these rules for the rest of their lives or give up the wreath pin?
The Tomb Guard Identification Badge (TGIB) is awarded after the Sentinel passes a series of tests. The TGIB is permanently awarded after a Sentinel has served nine months as a Sentinel at the Tomb. Over 600 have been awarded since its creation in the late 1950's (on average 10 per year). And while the TGIB can be revoked, the offense must be such that it discredits the Tomb of the Unknowns. Revocation is at the 3rd Infantry Regimental Commander’s discretion and can occur while active duty or even when the Sentinel is a civilian. The TGIB is a full size award, worn on the right pocket of the uniform jacket, not a lapel pin.
