Fifteen years ago today...
A short note on this 15th anniversary of September 11th. We often get questions about the Tomb Guard and what happened on that day fifteen years ago. I emailed the Sentinel who was posted that day and asked him what he remembered and this is his response. "When the plane flew over we were in the middle and the guards were passing on their orders. After it hit the Pentagon is when we turned to salute the Tomb. The smoke rising from the Pentagon was a big mushroom cloud. I continued on with the...
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The Newest Tomb Guards
Posted April 15, 2016 in StoriesThe two newest Tomb Guard Identification Badges (TGIB) were earned after a lot of hard work. Private First Class Noah McKee earned TGIB #640, and became a SHGTUS Member. Sergeant Kevin Calderon...
Top of the World Turned Upside Down - A Tomb Guard's Experience at Everest
Posted July 7, 2015 in StoriesThis past April a SHGTUS Founding Father, Larry Seaton (Tomb Guard Identification Badge #106, 1970-71), set out to summit Mount Everest. He was present when a MW 7.8 earthquake struck Nepal. He was...
National Medal of Honor Day
Posted March 25, 2015 in StoriesOn this National Medal of Honor Day, we would like to share the citations for each Unknown as issued by the War Department and later the Department of Defense. World War I Unknown: By virtue of an...
Remembering September 11th
Posted September 11, 2014 in StoriesOne of the most frequent questions we receive from our "ask your own question" section here at tombguard.org is about September 11th, 2001. Here is my perspective. On September 11, 2001 I was...
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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.
