Posted on 10/18/2018 9:20:50 AM PDT by shove_it
Yesterday, Tomb Guards from the US Army’s 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard) were presented with 4 ceremonial M17 pistols at Arlington National Cemetery. These works of art were created by SIG SAUER specifically for use by the Guards.
This ceremony marks the first use of the M17, which will accompany the Sentinels of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldiers as they stand guard 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.
The unique distinguishing features for the M17 Tomb of the Unknown Pistols include:
• Pistol Names: each of the four pistols bears the name of Silence, Respect, Dignity, or Perseverance and is featured on the dust cover. Dignity and Perseverance represent “The Sentinel’s Creed,” and Silence and Respect represent the request to the public by Arlington National Cemetery when visiting the Tomb of the Unknown, and during the Changing of the Guard;
• Custom Wood Grips: in 1921 the chosen Unknown was transported to the United States of America aboard the USS Olympia. The custom wood grips are made with wood from the USS Olympia and include the crest of the 3rd Guard, Tomb of the Unknown Soldier identification badge inset;
• Cocking Serrations: XXI cocking serrations are engraved on the slide to signify the twenty-one steps it takes for the Tomb Sentinels to walk by the Tomb of the Unknowns and the military honor of a 21 Gun Salute;
• Sight Plate: an engraved impression of the Greek Figures featured on the east panel of the Tomb – Peace, Victory, and Valor – are featured on the sight plate;
• Sights: a glass insert made with marble dust from the Tomb of the Unknown fills the sights of the ceremonial pistols;
• Engraved Magazines: the 21-round magazines feature an aluminum base plate engraved with the names of the Greek figures featured on the Tomb of the Unknown – Peace, Victory, and Valor – and include a name plate on the bottom of the magazine engraved with the Tomb Sentinel badge number.
• Serial Numbers: the pistols are serialized with a unique set of serial numbers that incorporate items of significance to the Old Guard: “LS” represents line six of the Sentinels’ Creed, “My standard will remain perfection; “02JUL37” to signify the first 24-hour guard posted at the Tomb of the Unknown on July 3, 1937; “21” to signify the 21 steps it takes the Tomb Sentinels to walk by the Tomb of the Unknown, and the military honor of a 21 Gun Salute. The full series of M17 Tomb of the Unknown Soldier Pistols serial numbers are LS02JUL37A21 (Silence), LS02JUL37B21 (Respect), LS02JUL37C21 (Dignity), LS02JUL37D21 (Perseverance).
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A work of art!
Awesome.
Wow those are incredible pieces.
Just out of curiosity are the firearms displayed by guards at Arlington working models?
"...four pistols..."
Respect
That's going to see off any disrespectful tourists.
Would be profoundly disrespectful if they weren’t.
IIRC one has to be over six feet tall to be on the major honor guards. Our Korean Army honor guards on Camp Red Cloud were all that tall.
You bet, but presumably not loaded as is the M14 rifle with chrome bayonet attached.
Good question. I don’t know the answer for sure, but the rifles don’t appear to be loaded...these pistols however may very well be loaded.
+1 CHA, +1 AGI. +10 vs. undead and liberals.
Loaded firearms all over Arlington. I would suspect the tomb guard M17s would be loaded. Ammo for rifles within shouting/whistle distance.
Beautiful weapon. Just stunning.
With the increasing boldness of the deranged Leftists running around out there I fear it won’t be long until they actually have to fire them.
Dignity should be a .45 ACP.
Perseverance should be cerecoated.
Respect should have American Flag.
Thanks for the chuckle.
“Good question. I don’t know the answer for sure, but the rifles don’t appear to be loaded...these pistols however may very well be loaded.”
Naw, they’re not loaded....
Hope they are loaded ...in this day and age.
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