ICYMI – Anyone who’s ever had the privilege of watching the guard changing ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier knows how indelible the impression of somber honor and regret can be. As Arlington National Cemetery hit the 100 year celebration of the monument and the 85 year anniversary of the ceremony, they achieved a historic first.
Trail-blazing Tomb Guards
At Arlington National Cemetery in Virgina, The Tomb of the Unknown soldier has been perpetually defended by an honor guard. On Friday, October 1, 2021, for “the first time in the 84-year-vigil, on the 30,770th day of continuous guarding, an all-female guard change occurred with the 38th Sergeant of the Guard.”
Female soldiers have fought and died in defense of their country all through the ages but they seldom get the recognition they deserve.
“We commemorate the achievements of these trail-blazing Tomb Guards,” the Old Guard posted on their social media accounts.
Historic first all-female guard change at Tomb of the Unknown Soldierhttps://t.co/giwApbFmPA
— Fox News (@FoxNews) October 4, 2021
“While this historic event may be a first, it is not the last. With diversity in our ranks, race, gender, or any characteristics will never hinder, but only enhance the execution of our sacred mission.”
The tomb is meant to commemorate all the valiant fighters who defended America and died without identification.
“As we recognize this monumental day, we reflect on the Unknowns and their ultimate sacrifice. The world will never know their names. Their life’s poetry was silenced in the defense of this great nation. We will never forget their sacrifice, and we will never falter as our standard will remain perfection.”
A standard of ‘perfection’
Guarding the monument is an extremely special honor which is only offered to the best of the best. The exacting standards of the ceremony require absolute precision in every tiny detail… despite rain, snow, sleet, or blazing sunshine. Antifa® affiliated vandals won’t get anywhere near this monument with a can of spray paint.
The hours vary with the season but between October 1 and March 31 “the military guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is changed in an elaborate ceremony which happens every hour on the hour.” During the warmer months, the change happens every 30 minutes.
Called “The Old Guard,” soldiers from the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment stand watch over the Tomb twenty-four hours a day. Also called “Sentinels” they’re “chosen for this prestigious and highly selective post only after rigorous training and a demanding series of examinations.”
They’ve been doing it every single day since they started in 1948.
The monument of the Unknown was carried to where it stands on November 11, 1921 by horse-drawn caisson after being “carried in a procession through Washington, D.C. and across the Potomac River.”
At the time, a “state funeral ceremony was held at Arlington National Cemetery’s new Memorial Amphitheater, and the Unknown was interred in the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.” A special celebration occurred for the 100th anniversary this Veteran’s day.
