Programs
SHGTUS Programs
Community Presentation
The heart and soul of our programs is our free Community Presentation. Upon request, the Society will attempt to schedule a former Tomb Guard to make a presentation and answer questions relating to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, each of the Unknown Soldiers buried on the east plaza of the Memorial Amphitheater, the Sentinels that stand the eternal vigil, and the Society.
This is a perfect opportunity for schools, civic organizations, fraternities and sororities, and businesses to introduce their organizations to this most sacred shrine. When requesting a presentation, please consider planning for a 1 hour presentation which will include time for questions and answers. These can be in person or virtually upon request.
In lieu of scheduling a Community Presentation, the Society produced a video for public viewing.
Tomb Guard Assistance Program
The Society provides the following services to current and former Tomb Guards:
- Direct assistance to the current Tomb Guard platoon.
- Transition mentoring program for current Tomb Guards transitioning from active duty to the civilian workplace.
- Provides Bereavement services and assistance to surviving
family members upon the death of a Tomb Guard.
- It is recommended that all Tomb Guards download the SHGTUS Bereavement Services questionnaire and send it in to the Bereavement Director to keep on file, regardless of membership.
Support the Society
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.
Learn More
Did you know?
Are the shoes specially made with very thick soles to keep the heat and cold from their feet?
The shoes are standard issue military dress shoes. They are built up so the sole and heel are equal in height. This allows the Sentinel to stand with a straight back and perpendicular to the ground. A side effect of this is that the Sentinel can "roll" on the outside of the build up walking down the mat. Done correctly, the hat and bayonet will appear to not "bob" up and down with each step. It gives a more formal, fluid and smooth look to the walk, rather than a "marching" appearance.
The soles have a steel tip on the toe and a "horseshoe" steel plate on the heel. This prevents wear on the sole and allows the Sentinel to move smoothly during his movements when he turns to face the Tomb and then back down the mat.
Then there is the "clicker". It is a shank of steel attached to the inside of the face of the heel build-up on each shoe. It allows the Sentinel to heel click during certain movements. A guard change is considered great when all the heel clicks fall together and sound as one click. The guard change is occasionally done in the "silent" mode (as a sign of devotion to the Unknowns) with no voice commands - every thing is done in relation to the heel clicks and on specific counts.
