Today tomb of the unknown Soldier

[marcweid]

We went in mid July. It was right at 100 degrees. We were coverd in sweat just watching. We also saw a guy that had to be politely but forcibly removed for using his cell phone and not taking a hint or several hundred peopl staring at him.

I give these men and women and everyone in the military the utmost respect. I wish I could thank everyone of them. I often ask myself if I could put myself in thier positons. I would like to say yes but I really don't know. I know I could and would defend my direct family and loved one but being overseas in a country where they don't really want you there it has to be very hard to remeber what you are there for.

Thanks to all the men and women that serve and have served.

 

[downzero]

I spent all this summer in D.C. I made it to the tomb twice, including over memorial day weekend. It's something you never really get used to seeing.

 

[paddling_man]

Wow... humbling and inspiring.

 

[Captain Bligh]

I have been to the Tomb of the Unknowns several times.

I sometimes awake in the middle of the night, hear the rain pound the windows and the wind howl, and think of the Old Guard standing guard in the elements while I am safe in my warm bed.

They walk hallowed ground.

 

[BiscuitNaBasket]

I've been to the Tomb of The Unknown Soldier only one time, when I was in eighth grade. It was very humbling and the soldiers' dedication to something other than themselves blew me out of the water.

 

[DemolitionMan]

A former member of the Old Guard was in my cadet battalion at Fort Lewis. As others have said, he was the very model of a soldier, and a good friend. IIRC, he mentioned that there is a bulding nearby that the guards can move into if the weather ever became completely impossible (hurricane, tornado, etc.). I don't recall if they ever had to use it, and I haven't heard if they needed to during Sandy.

 

[VidGuy]

For people who've never been, I highly recommend a visit if you're anywhere near DC/Arlington.

There are some youtube videos of the guards actually yelling at visitors for talking during the changing of the guard ceremony and for walking right up on the tomb where the guard stands guard. There are even signs all around to be quiet and reverent, as if anyone should need them. Makes you wonder if some people were raised by wolves, it really does.

I visited with my son (who was 14 at the time), and before we got out of the car I reminded him that Arlington is a cemetery, and to keep his voice down.

When we went to the Tomb, he didn't say much, but when he did, he whispered questions about the soldiers and the monument. It was a proud moment for me, of his behavior, and that we could share a moment with these fine soldiers. They truly are remarkable.

 

[Miketodd]

I have been there once. It was Dec. 2001, 2 months after 9/11. We could see the side of the Pentagon that was hit and it was all blackened and boarded up. I asked the Sgt., after the changing of the guards, what the guard on duty did when he saw a plane fly into the epicenter of our national security and military. He simply stated "He Marched". I still get goosebumps when I talk about that or say it. They are the model of Pride and Honor.

 

[Hajisc]

The soldiers that have that duty are volunteers that also have to have exemplary careers . Harder to get that duty than just about any other. Very disciplined , and to be admired.

 

[churchmouse]

Humbling and inspiring. God bless all those who serve and the family's that wait for them to return home.

 

[bksboiler]

If you have an extra hour this evening or in the next few days and haven't seen this, take the time to watch this video

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EyOSpMjwZps

You'll be very glad that you did and its worth every minute of the time.

 

[U.S. Patriot]

I went there when I was in middle school. We got to witness the changing of the Guard. The Guards live underground. All they do is study, practice, and prep their uniforms. When not on Guard.

 

[Smokepole]

I think the person actually standing out there in a hurricane should get the credit, not some of his buddies who got caught out in a storm months ago. If you think others should get the credit for this young mans elan then go for it. I prefer credit where it's due.

They ALL deserve the credit. I have not yet had the honor of attending the changing of the guard, but I have seen a couple of documentaries on The Old Guard, and even in the worst conditions, when they are advised that they are not required to stand their post due to life threatening conditions, to a man, these soldiers refuse to leave their post. Don't remember if it was mentioned that any had taken relief from their duty (or been physically blown off their mark), but I know if I had the duty I wouldn't want to be one to leave that post. For anything.

They ALL deserve the credit, because none would willingly abandon their post.

 

[repeter1977]

I went there when I was in middle school. We got to witness the changing of the Guard. The Guards live underground. All they do is study, practice, and prep their uniforms. When not on Guard.

If you read the link on the quote below, from their page, this isn't quite right. Although, they do spend around 8 hours on their uniform, there are more then a couple that live off post with loved ones, or in the barracks just up the road.

Read through the questions and answers here, it answers a lot: https://tombguard.org/society/faq/

Thanks for sharing the page Perry