US

Photos of The Old Guard as They Watch Over the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier During Hurricane Irene

Photos have emerged on Facebook of a lone Tomb Sentinel, 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard), walking his tour in humble reverence at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier during Hurricane Irene in Arlington National Cemetery this afternoon. Members of The Old Guard have guarded the Tomb “every second, of every day regardless of weather or holidays” since April 6, 1948 (The Society of The Honor Guard of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier began the first 24-hour guard on July 2, 1937).

Old Guard at Tomb of the Unknown Soldier During Hurricane Irene

Soldiers of “The Old Guard” maintain a 24-hour vigil at the Tomb of the Unknowns (Tomb of the Unknown Soldier), provide military funeral escorts at Arlington National Cemetery and participate in parades at Fort Myer and Fort Lesley J. McNair. WTOP:

“While on duty the Tomb Sentinel crosses a 63-foot rubber surfaced walkway in exactly 21 steps. He then faces the Tomb for 21 seconds, turns again, and pauses an additional 21 seconds before retracing his steps.

The 21 is symbolic of the highest salute according to dignitaries in military and state ceremonies.”

Old Guard at Tomb of the Unknown Soldier During Hurricane Irene

These photos were posted on the 3rd U.S. INF Regiment The Old Guard official Facebook fan page Saturday evening.

Comments (303)

1 2 3 ... 8
  • Smoke Ranch
    Posted on August 27, 2011 at 11:16pm

    Of the four and a half of my time at Arlington walking around, the time I spent at The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier was my highlight of a week long trip I took of the East Coast. My heros are buried there. God Bless them all.

    Report Post » Smoke Ranch  
    • jsDway
      Posted on August 27, 2011 at 11:52pm

      God bless all the young men & women who serve this great country! The reverance and grace and love shown at the Tomb of the Unknown is an example for all of us to follow.

      Report Post »  
  • TexasKnight
    Posted on August 27, 2011 at 11:14pm

    If you have not seen the lifetime deadication required of these soldiers, you need to.
    To guard this tomb is a lifetime commitment. If you can understand their honor, you understand why they would risk their lives to stand this post during dangerous weather.
    Truly proud that these Men are Americans!

    Report Post » TexasKnight  
    • Ookspay
      Posted on August 27, 2011 at 11:23pm

      Hear Hear TexasKnight! Semper Fi! Sometimes I think that there should be compulsory military service in America. Everyone should know the pride and honor that comes from being part of something bigger than ones self. All at once humbling and empowering.

      Report Post » Ookspay  
    • Wilbur D Pig
      Posted on August 28, 2011 at 12:31am

      @Ookspay– The kind of commitment that TXKnight was speaking about is not something that would normally be taken upon onself if compelled. Your use of USMC terminology makes me think you are one of the honored warriors. The esprit de corps that you experience from such a reverent devotion would not be felt by a compelled conscript. Think of what the service would be without that bond. Would you want to fight next to Bill Clinton? He certainly wouldn’t want to be fighting next to you (if you catch my drift).

      Report Post » Wilbur D Pig  
    • Sy Kosys
      Posted on August 28, 2011 at 12:58am

      Or at least serve a tour as qualification #1 to be Commander-in-Chief….

      GOD BLESS YOU ALL for serving, and protecting

      Report Post » Sy Kosys  
    • TomFerrari
      Posted on August 28, 2011 at 8:34am

      @Sy Kos – so the kid who had asthma could never be potus?
      The girl who was 4′1, or the man who was 7′4″ could never be potus?
      The man who DESIGNED the fighter jets or built the weapons could never be potus?
      Your theory sounds good, but, is flawed.

      Report Post » TomFerrari  
    • Ookspay
      Posted on August 28, 2011 at 9:56am

      @Wilbur D Pig, Sadly I know that you are right. There are too many who “loathe” the military and who are spoiled rotten by the very security they provide.

      Report Post » Ookspay  
    • myway
      Posted on August 28, 2011 at 10:13am

      This is a National Treasure and it is Guarded 24/7 everyday and always will. These men are so dedicated and honorable. Weather has no reflection on their tireless job. I have been there many times and I am always amazed at the dedication to detail. I read someone say it was just a cat one storm, it don’t matter they will be there in all storms, try a snow storm. Thanks to the Blaze for putting this up.

      Report Post » myway  
    • cromag11b
      Posted on August 28, 2011 at 5:40pm

      Its a three year hitch at the Old Guard, 92-95 for me- Bco, and the Tomb is a special platoon you try out for. The only lifetime part about it is they will revoke your badge if you get into any legal trouble.

      Hell no to conscription. Maybe have people spend 2 years in the America Corps rebuilding infrastructure as an opt out of military service. I do not want someone next to me who does not want to be there.

      Report Post » cromag11b  
  • rickbob
    Posted on August 27, 2011 at 11:13pm

    Just to be nit picking. The name of the memorial is the Tomb of the Unknowns. The identities and services of those interred from WW I, WWII, Korea, and Vietnam are not known. They could be from any of the services.

    Report Post » rickbob  
    • goldsilverprecioustones
      Posted on August 28, 2011 at 1:54am

      While we are making corrections, I have seen a couple of comments suggesting that the Marine Corp is responsible for guarding the Tomb of the Unknown…it is in fact the Army’s 3d U.S. Infantry. Thought that this was more than noteworthy.

      Report Post »  
    • schmite123oh
      Posted on August 29, 2011 at 3:42pm

      Big supporter of the military, but why do we need to continue doing this? Seems alot like overkill. I’d rather serve doing something more productive.

      Report Post »  
  • Anniecat
    Posted on August 27, 2011 at 11:08pm

    My SGM was Old Guard. I am always humbled. God bless our Old Guard for honoring tradition.

    Report Post » Anniecat  
  • PunditPawn
    Posted on August 27, 2011 at 11:04pm

    I would think the unknown soldiers would want these guys to live their lives with the freedom that was earned, rather than walking some rubber mat like a machine for over 60 years. Their sacrifice was an unspeakable debt that can never be repaid, but at some point moving on has to be part of the equation.

     
    • Fina Biscotti
      Posted on August 27, 2011 at 11:19pm

      Tradition is what is at hand, “Punditawn”.

      Report Post »  
    • idahokid
      Posted on August 27, 2011 at 11:20pm

      It is OK that you do not understand what is happening here. You see, these young men and women who watch over us every day and night WANT to watch over their unknown fallen brothers and sisters. It is an honor. I think it might be motivated by the same feeling that makes them go back in the face of enemy fire to bring out their wounded and dead from the battlefield. Let it be.

      Report Post »  
    • duckman1911
      Posted on August 27, 2011 at 11:22pm

      Im so sorry but you’re a ******* that apparently knows nothing of honor. To call an American Soldier a machine for watching over his brotheren is a disgrace on your part sir. You show no respect for this country or those who VOLUNTEER to serve it. Perhaps you would be more suited in Syria or some place like that? Myself and many others(im sure) would be more than happy to help you pack.

      Report Post » duckman1911  
    • Midwest Blonde
      Posted on August 27, 2011 at 11:25pm

      and it’s apparent you have no concept of “Honor”. I sat at the tomb for 20 minutes watching a soldier at his duty. I was impressed by the HONOR he was doing.

      Report Post » Midwest Blonde  
    • eddvoss
      Posted on August 27, 2011 at 11:58pm

      If you have to ask then no explanation will make you understand.

      Report Post » eddvoss  
    • usmc1063
      Posted on August 28, 2011 at 12:25am

      Once again a liberal with no Honor and respect for Country and the fallen has spoken. What little you know of these men and the dedication to their Duty. What little you liberals understand of doing what is right and good and making the sacrifices these Soldiers make. Because you would never do it for yourself let alone for the Honored Fallen.

      Report Post » usmc1063  
    • macpappy
      Posted on August 28, 2011 at 12:36am

      Just turn and go away, you are in the wrong company.

      Report Post » macpappy  
    • Wilbur D Pig
      Posted on August 28, 2011 at 12:43am

      @Punditpawn– I won’t call you names or uess at your politics, but I will say you do not understand these men. I think that is because you are not one of them (that’s OK, neither am I). That said, I think you could understand them better if you cared to. Study their tradition and the things they revere. You don’t need to stand watch in a hurricane to revere those things yourself. I’ll start your education here and hopefully you will continue it. From Dictionary.com:

      REVERENCE
      noun
      1. a feeling or attitude of deep respect tinged with awe; veneration.
      2. the outward manifestation of this feeling: to pay reverence.
      3. a gesture indicative of deep respect; an obeisance, bow, or curtsy.
      4. the state of being revered.

      Report Post » Wilbur D Pig  
    • hifi74
      Posted on August 28, 2011 at 12:47am

      eddvoss
      Posted on August 27, 2011 at 11:58pm

      If you have to ask then no explanation will make you understand.
      ———————————————————————————————-

      ^This^

      Report Post » hifi74  
    • Therightsofbilly
      Posted on August 28, 2011 at 1:37am

      I read Punditpawn’s post and taken aback at first, and found myself agreeing with most of the replies here.

      Then I clicked on his name, and read the content of his last 10 posts.

      I was surprised.

      GOD Bless all those that serve, and have served.

      Report Post » Therightsofbilly  
    • BobNH
      Posted on August 28, 2011 at 7:25am

      These soldiers ARE living their lives with the freedom earned. The freely volunteered for this duty. Semper Fi to all.

      Report Post » BobNH  
    • DonaldH
      Posted on August 28, 2011 at 8:29am

      PunditPawn, I can’t put up with much more of the idiots like you in our our country!! I hope,, no, I PRAY the time comes when I will be watching you and your ilk from some nice perch,, like a clock-tower,, you worthless POS…..

      Report Post » DonaldH  
    • loriann12
      Posted on August 28, 2011 at 8:47am

      I understand there’s a high competition to receive that honor. They have to even LOOK impecable. They are the finest examples we have of the military.

      Report Post »  
    • RESTOREVALUES
      Posted on August 28, 2011 at 8:53am

      pundit pawn This is Freedom at it‘s highest level these young men and women that serve our country are america’s finest and best. They are cut from the same cloth as those who served in every conflict from the beginning of this great nation and will continue as long as our nation exists. they are citizen soldiers who bear the brunt of the blows cast at us by our enemies. They are the ones who will carry us into the Future. The traditions that they preserve for our nation show our gratitude of their service and sacrifice that will not be forgotten.

      Report Post » RESTOREVALUES  
    • RRFlyer
      Posted on August 28, 2011 at 9:16am

      You will never know what a soldier would want because the mind of a soldier is beyond your comprehension

      Report Post »  
    • Sheepdog911
      Posted on August 28, 2011 at 9:52am

      @Pawn – What an appropriate name. I would think that those buried in the Tomb of the Unknowns would be as humbled as those who guard their final resting place. AH, moving on after 60 years. Oh, let’s progress beyond remembering and honoring the sacrifice paid for your freedoms? If I were to say what I think of you, which is essentially that you aren’t worthy of their sacrifice, I’d be denigrating the memories of those who paid your price.

      Report Post » Sheepdog911  
    • Xkiller
      Posted on August 28, 2011 at 2:15pm

      Tradition, honor and dedictation to safeguard the unknown, as they sleep, after giving all. I hardly expect a non military type to understand this kind of thing.

      Report Post »  
    • Juan Gault
      Posted on August 28, 2011 at 2:36pm

      Never forget, never give up, or as it was once said,in combat,when faced with overwhelming odds of defeat to the enemy, “NUTS!” A MEMORIAL, is just what the word means.

      Report Post »  
    • Bunnie
      Posted on August 29, 2011 at 1:26am

      … Maybe, before you make a complete fool out of yourself, you should go and see what these honorable soldiers do to dedicate themselves to their tour of duty….

      Report Post » Bunnie  
    • Dismayed Veteran
      Posted on August 29, 2011 at 9:54am

      If you have never been to the Tomb of the Unknown, I suggest you go. Attend the Changing of the Guard and watch the silent sentinel march the measured pace. If you are not captured by the realization that each tomb contains some mother’s son who never came home and lies buried in a military cemetary here or in a foreign land, you are not capable of emotion. There is competition to become a sentinel at the Tomb. These soldiers choose to be there. They may hate the heat, rain, snow and wind but they willingly march the pace.

      Report Post » Dismayed Veteran  
  • TriforcePlayer
    Posted on August 27, 2011 at 11:03pm

    God Bless the US Military.

    Report Post » TriforcePlayer  
  • fabercastell
    Posted on August 27, 2011 at 11:03pm

    Great thing to see but what if the wind blows over 120 mph, how is he or she supposed to stay standing? They should have made an exception. One thing to be patriotic. It’s another thing to stand there and get hit by a branch flying at you at 120mph, which could cause serious injuries. Remember, most casualties don’t come from the wind itself. It is objects flying into your body. During the Civil War, most casualties were caused also by unsanitary conditions, not from the fighting itself. Shouldn’t risk a soldiers life over a storm in my view.

    Report Post »  
    • right-wing-waco
      Posted on August 27, 2011 at 11:18pm

      Tradition & Honor. Most people will not ever understand why the “old guard” does what they do! If anyone knows one of these soldiers, please thank them for me and the others that appreciate them.

      Report Post »  
    • eddvoss
      Posted on August 27, 2011 at 11:53pm

      They are not forced to do this. The option is up to them. Funny thing is that their answer is always the same. “We will stand out watch.” If you can‘t understand that then all the explanations in the world won’t help.

      Report Post » eddvoss  
    • damrite1969
      Posted on August 28, 2011 at 12:05am

      You just don’t get it do ya.. they have never left their post… read up on the old guard..

      Report Post »  
    • NOTYERHUCKLEBERRY
      Posted on August 28, 2011 at 12:13am

      This is all something you don’t understand. I have never been to Arlington, would like to go someday. I have been to the place where that solid block of Colorado White Marble was mined. It is amazing how it came about.
      As far as the wind and all, I’m a 63 year old, some what crippled up old Coast Guard guy. I have no clue as to the drill they go through, but if anyone one of them wants to wuss out, I will at least stand there, rifle in hand until relieved.

      Report Post »  
    • Americanius
      Posted on August 28, 2011 at 12:38am

      Sermper peratus NOTYERHUCKLEBERRY. I too am an old Coastie. While serving at a small boat station in Oregon, the saying was, “You have to go out but you don’t have to come back.” Not once did I feel like turning down my duty to put my life on the line for someone in need of help.
      The ceremony at the Tomb is something to behold. When taps are played chills run up my spine and my eyes water as I place my hand over my heart and remember the sacrifices without reserve that were made for freedom.

      I salute the Old Guard. Carry on Old Guard. Carry on.

      Report Post »  
    • hifi74
      Posted on August 28, 2011 at 11:31am

      fabercastell,

      That’s just it Faber, this is the testament to the level of dedication of these men. They were given the order to stand down and in spite of that order, they continued on. Those men are so dedicated that despite risk to life or limb they feel it is their duty to stand guard. And they do so without complaint. They do so because they were ordered to guard the tomb and plaza. We had an acronym in the Army, it represented our 7 basic values, LDRSHIP:

      1 Loyalty – Bear true faith and allegiance to the U.S. Constitution, the Army, your unit and other Soldiers.
      2 Duty – Fulfill your obligations.
      3 Respect – Treat people as they should be treated.
      4 Selfless Service – Put the welfare of the nation, the Army, and your subordinates before your own.
      5 Honor – Live up to all the Army values.
      6 Integrity – Do what’s right, legally and morally.
      7 Personal Courage – Face fear, danger, or adversity [physical or moral].

      And these Old Guard sentinels, represent every last one of these basic values without question and unwavering.

      Report Post » hifi74  
    • kallen0611
      Posted on August 28, 2011 at 2:08pm

      @fiber – They did make an exception. This has happened numerous times in the Old Guard’s noble history. In 2003 the Regimental Commander ordered the Guardsmen to seek protection from Hurricane Isabel. They did not. They disobeyed their order in order to prove their devotion and love for their fallen comrades. I believe this also occurred some time during JFK’s presidency. He personally gave permission to the Old Guard to retire their post. They refused.
      It is also important to remember that the Tomb of the Unknowns is not just for the 3 unidentified men interred there. The Tomb is a dedication to every man or woman who gave their lives in defense of their country and were unable to be identified afterwards.Therefore, to guard this Tomb is one of the highest honors anyone can be afforded the opportunity to have.
      It might be prudent for anyone with a negative opinion to reflect on what this duty represents before they practice their right to share their opinions. A right that was provided to them by those who fought for you.
      I don’t know whether or not you will ever understand what it means to sacrifice for others; especially on a national scale. I have deployed to Iraq twice and gained much appreciation for what we were trying to accomplish over there. It would be a shame to throw it all away because of a lack of tradition and honor. It is those things that keep us strong.
      Also, remember that they are volunteering to do this. It is no one’s choice but their own.

      Report Post »  
    • MightyInfantry
      Posted on August 28, 2011 at 2:50pm

      These soldiers and most soldiers are not concerned about harm to their person. They are more concerned with the honor of guarding the remains of their heroes. There are certain things in this life that are worth giving your life for this is one of them.

      Report Post »  
    • fabercastell
      Posted on August 28, 2011 at 3:20pm

      In my previous comments, I was not questioning the honorable and patriotic intentions to stand guard at the tomb of the unknown, just that if something were to happen, the media would be all over this thing saying why wasn’t allowed or forced to step into safety. That is what the media does. I think it is a shame that most young americans probably don’t know about the wars in which these unknown soldiers there fought in. That is also a greater tragedy that most americans probably don’t even know of this site and why a soldier is standing guard there.

      Report Post »  
  • rickbob
    Posted on August 27, 2011 at 11:01pm

    There have a few times in the past when, due to the severe weather, most recently with hurricane Isabel in 2003, when the Officer of the Guard was ordered the Guard to stand down and seek shelter. The Guards disobeyed their orders and continued to walk their posts. These are truly men of honor.

    See: http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-vetscor/1126293/posts

    Report Post » rickbob  
    • Thombob
      Posted on August 28, 2011 at 12:08am

      Thanks for the link, I enjoyed the info. I am very impressed.

      Report Post »  
    • pattybbb1
      Posted on August 28, 2011 at 1:24am

      Oh my goodness. I did not know. Thank you so much for sharing.

      Report Post »  
    • El Dudarino
      Posted on August 28, 2011 at 2:55am

      Some of the things in that link are fallacies. http://www.snopes.com/military/unknown.asp And I’m not just relying on that website. I have been to Arlington and I asked an off duty guard about it. He laughed and said he can drink, swear & watch TV and always could. But like the link said, he didn’t have much time for drinking or watching TV.

      Report Post »  
    • redbone007
      Posted on August 28, 2011 at 7:49am

      Not like the congress people we placed in office to protect and watch over us. Instead they all on vacation, thinking of way to take more of our money.

      Report Post » redbone007  
    • ronaldreaganthegreat
      Posted on August 28, 2011 at 9:01am

      Awesome post Patriot Rickbob:-)

      Report Post » ronaldreaganthegreat  
  • political refugee
    Posted on August 27, 2011 at 11:01pm

    If anyone goes to Washington DC, changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is a must see. The Old Guard’s dedication to duty is inspiring. It is the best site of all that I have seen in Washington DC.

    Report Post »  
  • Elena2010
    Posted on August 27, 2011 at 11:01pm

    Thank you for your fidelity!

    Report Post » Elena2010  
  • texasfarmer
    Posted on August 27, 2011 at 11:01pm

    I’ve gone to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier dozens of time when I was a kid. It was and is a most humbling experience.

    Report Post » texasfarmer  
  • factsdohelp
    Posted on August 27, 2011 at 11:00pm

    I thank and bless them all, for their service, Our Freedom, My Family’s safety, Yes even my life. We who have never served yet to even understand what the word Patriot even means.

    Report Post »  
  • gbisfree
    Posted on August 27, 2011 at 10:57pm

    God bless you Old Guard!

    Report Post »  
  • the58thstate
    Posted on August 27, 2011 at 10:56pm

    proud

    Report Post »  
  • StevenL1955
    Posted on August 27, 2011 at 10:55pm

    These are the principle’s we hold true, GOD, Honor, Duty and Country. God bless these soldiers

    Report Post » StevenL1955  
  • joeyjo
    Posted on August 27, 2011 at 10:54pm

    A promise made Is a debt to be paid. And the journey has its own strict code.

    God bless a country that remembers its own.

    Report Post » joeyjo  
  • southernORcobra
    Posted on August 27, 2011 at 10:52pm

    stuff like this makes me wish I stayed in.

    Report Post »  
  • klevalt
    Posted on August 27, 2011 at 10:49pm

    Yes… humbling indeed. I wonder if I could ever be as disciplined, held by duty, and so honored? Thank you, Tomb Sentinel.

    Report Post » klevalt  
  • J4YM3
    Posted on August 27, 2011 at 10:48pm

    Brothers in arms is a bond most couldn’t comprehend… God bless the troops, past and present!!!!!

    http://www.br0wn.biz

    Report Post » J4YM3  
  • Hemmy23
    Posted on August 27, 2011 at 10:48pm

    Thanks!

    Report Post »  
  • DaveOregon
    Posted on August 27, 2011 at 10:47pm

    Pride, honor, commitment, guts, and determination. Esprite de Corps. This may seem silly to some – but it epitomizes what soldiers are – when it’s tough, crappy, and hard – they are there (man or woman) doing the job the majority would not. God bless and god’s speed when your day comes.

    Report Post »  
  • MastrSSG
    Posted on August 27, 2011 at 10:45pm

    Duty
    Honor
    Commitment
    Respect
    Indispensable qualities.

    Report Post » MastrSSG  
  • NEAF
    Posted on August 27, 2011 at 10:45pm

    Honor!

    Report Post » NEAF  
  • toto
    Posted on August 27, 2011 at 10:43pm

    Honor, Character, Fidelity, it’s heart warming and up-lifting. Thank you Old Guard you are appreciated.

    Report Post »  
  • 82dAirborne
    Posted on August 27, 2011 at 10:42pm

    There isn’t anything to say.

    Duty.

    Report Post » 82dAirborne  
1 2 3 ... 8

Sign In To Post Comments! Sign In

Sign Up For Our Newsletter!

Glenn Beck Radio

Listen to Glenn Beck 24/7 Listen Now
Restoring Love