Guards at Tomb of the Unknowns Stand Tall (given permission to seek shelter, but stay at post)

Associated Press ^ | September 19, 2003 | SHARON THEIMER

[Tree of Liberty]

ARLINGTON, Va. - As the winds from Hurricane Isabel swept over Arlington National Cemetery, the soldiers who guard the Tomb of the Unknowns were given - for the first time in history - permission to abandon their posts and seek shelter.

"They told us that. But that's not what's going to happen," said Sgt. Christopher Holmes, standing vigil on overnight duty. "That's never an option for us. It went in one ear and right out the other."

The monument was established in 1921 with the interment of an unknown World War I soldier. A sentry has been posted there continuously since 1930.

With the fierce storm bearing down Thursday night, cemetery officials decided to let the guards move indoors if they felt they were in danger. Cemetery Superintendent John Metzler said he believed it was the first time they have been allowed to do so.

"We certainly didn't want to put these guards in jeopardy unnecessarily," Metzler said.

The tomb is protected by soldiers from the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment. Usually about a half-dozen are there, taking turns standing guard, and security cameras also are used.

Holmes' group was on duty for 24 hours, from 6 a.m. Thursday until 6 a.m. Friday. They took turns patrolling the tomb in hourly shifts.

The tomb consists of four graves. Three contain remains of soldiers who died in World War I, World War II and Korea. The fourth, representing unknown soldiers who died in Vietnam, now stands empty; the remains it used to hold were identified about five years ago using DNA technology.

Staff Sgt. Alfred Lanier, also on duty Thursday night, said guards might move inside if the storm became truly life-threatening. But he didn't think it was likely.

"Once you become a badgeholder, it's like you'll do whatever you have to do to guard the unknowns," Lanier said. "For one, it's my job. And for two, that's just how much respect I myself have for the unknowns. That's just something we cherish."

The sentries were not entirely unprotected in the storm; they wore rain gear and could warm up with coffee or hot chocolate when not standing guard.

Holmes said he was willing to risk his life keeping watch over the tomb.

"It's just considered to be the greatest honor to go out there and guard," Holmes said. "It's not only the unknowns. It's a symbol that represents everyone who's fought and died for our country."

The cemetery is the resting place of more than 260,000 people. Twenty-one funerals were held there Thursday, and 16 were scheduled Friday.

Another famous symbol at the cemetery, the eternal flame over President John F. Kennedy's grave, was left on its own through the storm. The natural gas-powered flame can sputter out in heavy wind or rain, but is designed to immediately reignite itself

[Ronin]

A bump from a proud vet.

[DoughtyOne]

Congrats to you. Tell us a little more if you'd like. I'd like to hear more and I'm sure others would as well.

[ctlpdad]

FYI ping

While we guard FR, take a look at what these guys do.

[Gritty]

What a great sense of duty!

[chiefqc]

God Bless them.

Then I look at the news and see where our fearless elected offical, who are elected by the voters to perform a job for them, decided that the weather was so bad that they needed the day off.

WTF does that show the voters?

[Chad Fairbanks]

Bttt...

[glock rocks]

Thanks. I just heard Doocy on Fox and Friends say the men were "ordered" to take cover and "refused." Duh. I emailed him the link to this story.

They were offered shelter, and chose duty over comfort.

"Stand Tall" is exactly what they did.

[Between the Lines]

God bless. Stand Tall.

[oh8eleven]

Semper Fi bump ... for those who serve.

[eddie willers]

"They told us that. But that's not what's going to happen," said Sgt. Christopher Holmes, standing vigil on overnight duty. "That's never an option for us. It went in one ear and right out the other."

I can't tell you how pleased I was to read that.

My family took a vacation to D.C. in 1962.

Though very young (I was 10 years old at the time) I remember being very impressed with the changing of the guard ceremony.

[snippy_about_it]

Ping!

[TADSLOS]

"They told us that. But that's not what's going to happen," said Sgt. Christopher Holmes, standing vigil on overnight duty. "That's never an option for us. It went in one ear and right out the other."

1st General Order:

I will guard everything within the limits of my post and quit my post only when properly relieved.

Job well done, soldier. Stand down.

[MadelineZapeezda]

[CholeraJoe]

I would have been sorely disappointed had the Tomb Guards done anything other than what they did. Great job, Tomb Guards!

[biggerten]

In 1991, I drove my family from Minnesota to DC for vacation, and visited Arlington National Cemetery. Like you, I was moved by the changing of the guard.

I remeber some young guys had removed their shirts because of the heat, and people of course were wearing baseball caps, etc. Just before the ceremony, a fellow with an impressive uniform, carrying a sidearm and a sword, came out and ordered everyone to stand, remove their caps, and put on their shirts. He was a no nonsense kind of guy, and everyone jumped. It made my heart glad.

[DollyCali]

Does anyone know if there are ever any lib or peacenik hecklers?

I am sure if so, they are ingnored by the marines....

[egarvue]

Yes, but don't forget that at least when Congress is not in session, they're not passing more stupid laws or voting for more taxes or giving themselves a raise...so in this sense, GO ISABEL!!!

[sweet_diane]

"Lanier said. "For one, it's my job. And for two, that's just how much respect I myself have for the unknowns. That's just something we cherish."

God Bless 'Em

[Guenevere]

I have no idea, but as the previous post suggested, (& even though I didn't witness a guard asking folks to take hats off, etc)...

...one can't be there without feeling the reference, and even though I and all the others were wilting in the direct sun, we seemed to stand a little taller and I truly didn't hear a sound....

These young guards command respect and attention without saying one word!!!!

[oh8eleven]

I am sure if so, they are ingnored by the marines...

The Tomb of the Unknowns is not guarded by Marines.
The 3d United States Infantry (The Old Guard) has this honor.

Semper Fi ...