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Congressional Medal of Honor Recipients
Tomb of the Unknowns
"Here Rests In Honored Glory
An American Soldier Known But To God"
A U.S. guard on duty marches in front of the Tomb of the Unknowns at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Va. on Oct. 20, 1945. A sentry has been posted there continuously since 1930.
Arlington tomb sentinels shun shelter
ARLINGTON, Va., Sept. 19 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 thats not whats going to happen, said Sgt. Christopher Holmes, standing vigil on overnight duty. Thats 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 didnt 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 didnt think it was likely.
Once you become a badgeholder, its like youll do whatever you have to do to guard the unknowns, Lanier said. For one, its my job. And for two, thats just how much respect I myself have for the unknowns. Thats 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.
Its just considered to be the greatest honor to go out there and guard, Holmes said. Its not only the unknowns. Its a symbol that represents everyone whos 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. Kennedys 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.
2003 Associated Press. All rights reserved.
Society of the Honor Guard - Tomb of the Unknown Soldier Serving as a Guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier was a defining period in our lives. For each of us, it was a motivating factor that has been a measuring stick of our lives. We were both effected and affected by this unique experience; it made us better people and more productive citizens. While rendering honors, we were honored. Although we come from all walks of life, we all share the common bond of having had a humbling experience and a high privilege. We are proud of our Tomb Guard duty.
The Society of The Honor Guard, Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is a non-profit association organized expressly for and wholly committed to protecting and enhancing the welfare and image of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and the soldiers who stand guard, past and present.
The Society works toward preserving and maintaining records, educating the public concerning the history of the Tomb and the Unknown Soldiers, as well as the history of the Guards who have stood watch over them since 1926.
Hospitalman William R. Charette , who received the Medal of Honor for Korean War heroism, selects the Unknown Serviceman of World War II, during ceremonies on board USS Canberra (CAG-2), May 26, 1958
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