Visiting the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is a humbling experience. The Tomb is a monument dedicated to the fallen soldiers who have died in the service of the United States, whose remains have not been identified. The Tomb, located in Arlington National Cemetery, Virginia, is guarded 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. The guards are known as the "Sentinels" and are members of the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment, also known as the "Old Guard".
The History of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier
The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier was established in 1921, to honor the soldiers who had died in World War I. The body of an unknown soldier was brought back from France and interred in the Tomb. In 1958, the remains of an unknown soldier from World War II and the Korean War were also interred in the Tomb. The Tomb represents all the soldiers who have died in the service of the United States and whose remains have not been identified.
The Changing of the Guard
The Changing of the Guard is a solemn ceremony that takes place at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier every hour, on the hour, from October to March, and every half-hour from April to September. The ceremony is a tribute to the fallen soldiers and a reminder of the sacrifice they made for their country. The ceremony is carried out with precision and discipline, and the Sentinels take their duties very seriously.
The Sentinels
The Sentinels are volunteers who are selected from the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment, based on their military bearing, physical ability, and dedication to duty. They must be between 5'10" and 6'4" tall, have a waist size of no more than 30 inches, and be able to perform a variety of tasks in extreme weather conditions. The Sentinels undergo an intense training program that lasts for six months, during which they learn the elaborate drill movements and the history of the Tomb.
The Importance of Guarding the Tomb
The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier represents the sacrifice and dedication of all the soldiers who have given their lives in service to their country. The Sentinels guard the Tomb to ensure that the memory of these soldiers is respected and honored. They stand guard in all weather conditions, day and night, to show their respect for the fallen soldiers and their families. The Sentinels are a symbol of the enduring commitment of the United States to its military heroes.
The Respect and Discipline Required of the Sentinels
The Sentinels are expected to maintain the highest standards of respect and discipline while on duty. They must remain motionless and silent, except when they are performing their duties. They must also pay close attention to their appearance, ensuring that their uniform is spotless and their shoes are shined. The Sentinels take great pride in their duties and are dedicated to honoring the fallen soldiers who are interred in the Tomb.
The Sentinels' Creed
The Sentinels' Creed is a code of conduct that guides the behavior of the Sentinels. The Creed states that they will "guard everything within the limits of my post and quit my post only when properly relieved." The Creed also states that they will "relieve the Sentinel after me, and shall obey all commands from the Commanding Officer, Officer of the Day, and officers and non-commissioned officers of the guard only." The Sentinels take their duties very seriously and consider the Creed to be a sacred trust.
The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and National Identity
The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is a symbol of national identity and a reminder of the sacrifice that soldiers have made for their country. It represents the values of patriotism, honor, and duty that are essential to the American identity. The Tomb is a place where Americans can come to pay their respects to the fallen soldiers and to reflect on the importance of their sacrifice.
Conclusion
The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is a monument to the soldiers who have died in the service of the United States, whose remains have not been identified. The Tomb represents all the soldiers who have given their lives in the defense of their country. The Sentinels guard the Tomb with precision and discipline, showing their respect for the fallen soldiers and their families. The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is a reminder of the sacrifice and dedication of the American military and a symbol of national identity.