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

[Tree of Liberty]

It's actually members of the Army's 3rd Infantry that stand the post.

[Redleg Duke]

You can chisel that in granite.

[mrs tiggywinkle]

In March we'll be in DC. One of our stops is Tomb of the Unkowns....and my father in law is buried at Arlington. We have a pass to visit his gravesite.

I have a feeling that our visit to DC will have us silent and in tears most of the trip.

[mystery-ak]

Stop by and see Audie Murphy's gravesite...not too far from the Unknown's.....my sons, teenagers at the time, favorite site was the Iwo Jima Memorial...a must see.

[mrs tiggywinkle]

Please visit this thread ping.

[mrs tiggywinkle]

Thank you, mystery. I'll add that to our ever growing list. We'll be in DC and surrounding are for 10 days, not counting travel days. At this rate I think we'll need a couple more weeks, huh? :o)

[Pilsner]

I saw the Tomb in the fall of 1987. There was lone guard pacing up and down at one spot. He stopped marching and stepped into a canvas enclosure the size of a telephone booth -- I don't know what he was doing there, getting a drink of water or reporting to somebody maybe.

Among my fellow tourists was what looked like a Japanese family: fiftyish mom and dad and thirtyish son. The son, who had been standing there watching the guard pace up and down, hoists up his camera and steps over the rope we were all standing behind.

CLACK CLACK CLACK CLACK CLACK CLACK went the guard's shoes as he raced up the trespasser and made a bayonet thrust that ended 1" from the Japanese tourist's nose. A long look down the chromed bayonet into the .30 muzzle of the guard's Garand was enough to cause the tourist to practically levitate himself back behind the rope. The guard, who never said a word, or even changed facial expression, resumed marching up and down as if nothing had happened.

If the location wasn't so hallowed I would have cheered.

[LiteKeeper]

Retired Veteran salute to the Old Gaurd!

[mrs tiggywinkle]

Wow...that's forever in your memory bank, Pilsner. I'm sure it was amazing to behold. :o)

[SAMWolf]

Great story.

[in the Arena]

Proud BTTT...

[LaDivaLoca]

I'm all choked up but at the same time I feel so mighty proud of our soldiers! The best of the best. Off to email.

[DollyCali]

duh..... thanks.........

[jjm2111]

What weapons do the Old Guard use and are they loaded?

Plus, I would imagine, their uniforms are immaculate.

[LouD]

A big Roo-Ha to the men of the Old Guard.

I went to the NCO Academy with a lot of Old Guard guys, and they are very serious about what they do. I am not surprised at all.

[DollyCali]

double duh...... thanks to you also

[Poohbah]

If you've never seen the sentinels at the Tomb of the Unknowns, it is a chilling sight to behold. The machine-like precision of the guards and the overwhelming dignity of the setting do at least a modicum of justice to the men they guard. It is altogether fitting and proper that no storm force them from their post.

I saw the Tomb of the Unknowns on Friday, 9/14/01.

Many people were with me; all of us drew strength from these men and their vigil.

[FortWorthPatriot]

What weapons do the Old Guard use and are they loaded?

The last time I saw them back in 1989 (I was stationed at Marine Barracks 8th & I from 1986 - 1989), they were using M-14s. Whether or not they were loaded I do not know.

Plus, I would imagine, their uniforms are immaculate.

Extremely immaculate. In fact, during one of the changing of the guard inspections, the Sergeant of the Guard sent the Sentinel back to the barracks to adjust a part of his uniform. He waited at the position of attention for almost 10 minutes until the Sentinel returned - with the adjustment made - to complete the rifle inspection and post him.

Finest precision manual of arms I've ever seen - with perhaps the exception of the Marine Corps Silent Drill Team (but of course I'm biased in that regard).

[Joe Driscoll]

"They told us that. But that's not what's going to happen,"

It just warms my heart.

[oh8eleven]

Finest precision manual of arms I've ever seen - with perhaps the exception of the Marine Corps Silent Drill Team.

Saw my first Sunset Parade in DC a few years ago.
Made the hair stand up on my whole body! Semper Fi ...