Tomb Guards Never Forget: The Unknowns
9 years ago
I cry when I hear the national anthem of the United States, The Star-Spangled Banner. The tears, a mixture of joy, pride and sadness. Joy for the fact that I live in a country where I am free to become whatever I dream. Pride in the fact that I was fortunate to serve in the United States Army and represent our nation during this anthem. Sadness for the loss of those that sacrificed all in order to allow me this wonderful opportunity.
None sacrificed more than the Unknowns. I always believed that there are certain things that everyone gets to keep, even in death. Like their name. The Unknowns gave up their name, their identity, their opportunity to live on forever memorialized for you, for me, for their families. For this great nation.
So every time I hear The Star-Spangled Banner, I remember that sacrifice. We as Tomb Guards never forget and we will walk through the rain, the sleet, the snow and extreme heat to preserve that memory. So that anybody whoever visits that hallowed ground will they, themselves, never forget. From the darkest hours of night to the brightest hours of day and years after we have left our honored post, we Tomb Guards never forget.
by Chad Cavanaugh, Badge 408
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Did you know?
Has anyone ever tried to get past the Tomb guards, or attempted to deface the Tomb?
Yes, that is the reason why we now guard the Tomb. Back in the early 1920's, we didn't have guards and the Tomb looked much different. It was flat at ground level without the 70 ton marble 'cap'. People often came to the cemetery in those days and a few actually used the Tomb as a picnic area, likely because of the view. Soon after in 1925, they posted a civilian guard. In 1926, a US Army soldier was posted during cemetery hours. On July 1, 1937 guard duty was expanded to the 24 hour watch. Since then, the ceremony has evolved throughout the years to what you see today. Today, most of the challenges faced by the Sentinels are tourists who are speaking too loudly or attempting to get a better picture (by entering the post).