Welcome to the Newest Tomb Guards
These are the most recent Tomb Guard Identification Badges (TGIB) earned: On November 17th, 2015 Specialist Dakota Wilburn earned TGIB #635 On November 17th, 2015 Private First Class Justin Robinson earned TGIB #636 On November 17th 2015 Specialist Aaron Zachary Lopez-Stoner earned TGOB #637, and became a SHGTUS Member. On December 11th, 2015 Staff Sergeant John Massey earned TGIB #638, and became a SHGTUS Member. On January 14th, 2016, Private First Class Seth Barbrow earned TGIB #639. Today,...
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Bonus Army
Posted July 28, 2015 in Knowledge Corner“The whole scene was pitiful.” July 28 marks the anniversary of the Army’s role in ousting the veterans of World War I from the national capital. The so-called “Bonus Army” was comprised of veterans...
African-American Tomb Guard recalls journey (guest post)
Posted February 2, 2015 in Knowledge CornerOn the first week of African Amercian History Month, we would like to share this guest post from US Army SSG Megan Garcia. It originally was posted via the Army News Service in 2012. ARLINGTON, Va....
Thomas Hudson Jones
Posted June 10, 2014 in Knowledge CornerEvery soldier who has guarded the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier since the 1930s knows that Lorimer Rich and Thomas Hudson Jones were the two men chosen as the architect and the sculptor of the Tomb of...
The Tragedy of Heroism: Charles W. Whittlesey
Posted December 1, 2013 in Knowledge CornerCharles Whittlesey was not one to acknowledge the accolades of others. He was a humble man but remained loyal to those with whom he served. His service in the First World War was the thing of legend...
Jumping Over Hitler’s Wall
Posted June 6, 2013 in Knowledge CornerLate in the evening of June 5, 1944, small groups of young Americans from the All American and Screaming Eagle airborne divisions began boarding C47 aircraft for a short flight from airbases in...
Buglers of Arlington National Cemetery (Repost)
Posted March 27, 2013 in Knowledge CornerRepost from Buglers of Arlington National Cemetery by Jari Villanueva via TAPS BUGLER TAPS can be heard an average of thirty times a day at Arlington National Cemetery. The bugle call is sounded at...
To Provide a Military Guard
Posted March 22, 2013 in Knowledge CornerOn March 2, 1926, Allen J. Furlow, a newly-elected Representative from Rochester, Minnesota, introduced what would become known as House Joint Resolution Number 185. The joint resolution called for...
Man of Sacrifice - Don Hollender
Posted December 7, 2012 in Knowledge CornerArlington National Cemetery (ANC) has its share of heroes. As far as the eye can see, the simple white headstones are testament to their sacrifice. At some point we learn of those that stand out. Don...
Frederick Douglass honors “The Unknown Loyal Dead” at Arlington National Cemetery [May 30, 1871]
Posted August 17, 2012 in Knowledge CornerThis is a guest post by John Muller, from The Lion of Anacostia, via the Ghosts of DC. Arlington National Cemetery, the pre-Civil War home of Robert E. Lee, is a short Metro ride from Washington, DC....
Knowledge Corner: How to Become a Legend
Posted June 26, 2012 in Knowledge CornerYou may think it is strange to pay tribute to a man more famous in death for something he didn’t do than for the actual heroic life he led. However, as many things are at Arlington National Cemetery,...
Remembering the Battle of Midway
Posted June 6, 2012 in Knowledge CornerWhile June 6th is the anniversary of D-Day… let’s not forget the anniversary of the pivotal Battle of Midway, which is widely regarded as the most important naval battle of the Pacific Campaign of...
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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?
How long does the Sentinel hesitate after the facing movement to begin the return walk? Is the rifle carried on the same shoulder all the time?
The Sentinel does not execute an about face, rather they stop on the 21st step, then turn and face the Tomb for 21 seconds. They then turn to face back down the mat, change the weapon to the outside shoulder, mentally count off 21 seconds, then step off for another 21 step walk down the mat. They face the Tomb at each end of the 21 step walk for 21 seconds. The Sentinel then repeats this over and over until the the Guard Change ceremony begins.
