No Laughing at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier

http://www.allproudamericans.com/No-Laughing-at-the-Tomb-of-the-Unknown-Soldier.html

[shove_it]

It didn't take more than one warning from the Old Guard for things to get real quiet. But what would happen if people kept talking and laughing? Lets not find out.

[shove_it]

Tomb guards are Soldiers, not Marines.

[Humal]

WOW! I’m surprised the ACLU didn’t get involved. Good for the guard!

[buccaneer81]

God Bless you for your service. Thankfully every time I’ve been there the crowd was respectful.

[jazusamo]

Working Arlington was the greatest honor of my life.

I hear you.

[Raven6]

Chesty, what year was it that the hurricane was blowing through Arlington... I remember it was so bad that command made the decision to let the men choose to come in out of the weather if they wished. Not one of these fine men chose to leave their post.

The last time I was there, there were more than a few in uniform on the observer's side of the rope, and I think everyone in the area knew that they had better make well with the solemn respect and gratitude that is due the Unknowns, as well as the Old Guard.

[r-q-tek86]

No one owes me any thanks.

Sir, I respectfully disagree. Every citizen of this great country owes you and everyone who wears the uniform our undying gratitude. You have mine... and a free, ice cold beer whenever you are in the Fort Worth area.

[gaijin]

Nah..! The one that REALLY thrills is what happened when a kid climbed OVER the ropeline and started screwing around —the guy screamed AT LEAST 5x as loud as this, here, and even performed a (sort of) bayonet thrust..!

I was scared, just watching.

That guy had REALLY practiced it..! Scary as hell..! And inspiring, totally a-propos..!

[PzLdr]

He was a member of the U.S Army, 3d Infantry Regt. [the “Old Guard”] in Army Dress Blues. As the senior service, the Army guards the Tomb [and also always carries the U.S Flag in a mixed service color guard].

[chesty_puller]

I used to keep a few spare gloves in my coat to autograph and give to the young ladies. The giggling and red faces were priceless.

[chesty_puller]

He was Army.

[buccaneer81]

Excellent!

[70times7]

A few years ago I was one of the chaperons for a group of athletes that stopped at Arlington. They were talking and occasionally joking as we moved around, and I was part of it to some extent. But as we came up he hill toward the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier I stopped everyone about 100 yards away and told them to gather around. I spoke quietly and in somber tones to force them to listen closely, and to help them understand what would be expected. I told them to look around at all of the markers. That the markers hold the names of many who have served our country. Some have died in combat. Their families, relatives and possibly descendants can come and place flowers and remember them.

But at this tomb, those who are commemorated gave their lives for our freedom, for out way of life, and no one except God even knows who they are. They cannot even be remembered by name. I told them all to seriously think about that sacrifice made by so many and to act with reverence and respect as they view the tomb. They did exactly that. I was proud of them.

[shove_it]

It’s a long standing tradition among off duty Tomb Guards to troll the crowd for attractive young ladies among the many high school senior classes visiting the Tomb. “Hi, would you like to meet that Soldier walking the mat? But I’m sure that’s not news to you, Chesty. Some of those girls would do just about anything to try to get an on duty Guard to respond to them - no chance.

[UnbelievingScumOnTheOtherSide]

"It is requested that everyone maintains a level of silence and respect!"

That ought to go viral - from youtube to classrooms to occupy and tea party rallies.

[celtic gal]

No, the guard is army. Marines do not guard this tomb.

[5th MEB]

From an old Marine; the only thing I have to say is, SEMPER Fidelis soldier.

[USMCWife6869]

http://www.snopes.com/military/isabel.asp

[RightOnline]

"I was a SGT in the Old Guard for 3.5 years."

Awesome.

[momtothree]

Thank you for posting, shove it! I am just shaking my head about those tourists. When I have gone to the tomb, I get tears in my eyes and say a silent prayer. That’s me... I don’t know how I would react if I was there and some idiots started laughing and carrying on. I guess I was raised differently and for that.. I am grateful to my parents.

[momtothree]

I’ve told you before, chesty-puller, but you are uber cool! Many thanks for the work you have done!!