The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier: Leadership, Honor, America

In an age of corruption, racial tensions, and the coronavirus, there is a call for renewed moral leadership, honor, and character in America.

Inspired by the Sentinels of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, let us take a moment to cultivate these qualities.

The Sentinels of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier protect the site dedicated to the American soldiers who have died without having their remains identified.

The ceremony of the changing of the guard is inspirational.  It allows us to reflect on the legacy of those who have served America and serves as a catalyst for reawakening the nation.

The Tomb Guard

Details from the Society of the Honor Guard, Tomb of the Unknown Soldier (SHGTUS), allows inspiration according to our particular law enforcement position, and are as follows:

The Tomb of the Unknowns Soldier is guarded 24 hours per day, 365 days a year and in any weather by Tomb Guard Sentinels.

The Sentinels at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier are completely dedicated to their duty of guarding the Tomb.

In fact, line eight of the Sentinel's Creed refers to the “discomfort of the elements”. Because of their dedication, the weather does not deter them. In fact, it is considered an honor to walk the mat during inclement weather. It gets cold, and it gets hot but the mission continues as it has unbroken since July 2, 1937.

All volunteers are considered the best of the elite 3rd U.S. Infantry. These soldiers must be in superb physical condition and possess an unblemished military record.

During the trial phase, aspiring sentinels memorize seven pages of Arlington National Cemetery history verbatim to earn a "walk." A walk occurs between the guard changes at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

After passing the first training phase, the "new Soldier" training begins and each new sentinel must learn the history of Arlington National Cemetery and the grave locations of nearly 300 veterans.

The weapons and uniform of the sentinel must always be in immaculate condition.

Sentinels undergo rigorous and extensive testing before earning the privilege of wearing the silver Tomb Guard Identification Badge, of which only 630 have been awarded since 1958.

After serving at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier for nine months, the Tomb Guard Identification Badge can be made permanent and may then be worn for the duration of a military career.

Changing of the Guard

Representing precision collaboration, there are three reliefs, each having one relief commander and about six sentinels. The three reliefs are organized by height to express uniformity.  They rotate every hour in the winter and at nights, and every half hour in the day during the summer.

An impeccably uniformed relief commander appears on the plaza announcing the Changing of the Guard.

Soon, the relieving sentinel leaves the quarters and unlocks the bolt of his or her M-14 rifle to signal to the relief commander to start the ceremony. The relief commander walks to the Tomb and salutes, then faces the spectators and asks them to stand and stay silent during the ceremony.

The relief commander conducts a detailed white-glove inspection of the weapon. After meeting at the Tomb, the relief commander orders the relieved sentinel, "Pass on your orders."

The current sentinel commands "Post and orders, remain as directed." The newly posted sentinel replies, "Orders acknowledged" and steps into position. When the relief commander passes by, the new sentinel begins walking at a cadence of 90 steps per minute.

The Tomb Guard marches 21 steps down the black mat behind the Tomb, turns, faces east for 21 seconds, turns and faces north for 21 seconds, then takes 21 steps down the mat and repeats the process.

After the turn, the sentinel executes a sharp "shoulder-arms" movement to place the weapon on the shoulder closest to the visitors to signify that the sentinel stands between the Tomb and any possible threat. Twenty-one was chosen because it symbolizes the highest military honor that can be bestowed, the 21-gun salute.

The white marble sarcophagus has inscribed on its western panel the words:

Here Rests In

Honored Glory

An American

Soldier

Known But To God.

Mission of the Sentinel at the Tomb

The mission of the Sentinel at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is:

·         Maintaining the highest standards and traditions of the United States Army and this nation while keeping a constant vigil at this national shrine.

·         Prevent any desecration or disrespect directed toward the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

The Sentinel’s Creed

The Sentinel's Creed can stir vast emotions when spoken by a Sentinel.  In my opinion, it can also remind all Americans of the dedication, dignity, and duty each of us is responsible for in our own particular circumstances of life:

My dedication to this sacred duty is total and whole-hearted.

In the responsibility bestowed on me never will I falter.

And with dignity and perseverance my standard will remain perfection.

Through the year of diligence and praise and the discomfort of the elements I will walk my tour in humble service to the best of my ability.

It is he who commands the respect I protect, his bravery that made us proud.

Surrounded by well-meaning crowds by day, alone in the thoughtful peace of night, this soldier will in honored glory rest under my eternal vigilance.

The Society of the Honor Guard, Tomb of the Unknown Soldier

The Society of The Honor Guard, Tomb of the Unknown Soldier (Society) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization committed to protecting and enhancing the welfare and image of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier (Tomb) and the soldiers (Tomb Guards) who stand guard, past, and present.

The mission of the Society is to:

*Educate the general public about the Tomb and the United States of America’s (U.S.) unknown war heroes.

*Preserve the history and traditions relating to the Tomb.

*Provide assistance to the Tomb and the current Tomb Guards and their families.

The goal of the Society is to make certain that the individuals that made the ultimate sacrifice of their life for our freedom are not forgotten, and that the general public understands this price of freedom.

The membership of the Society is made up of former and current Tomb Guards, and individuals and organizations who have an affinity for the Society mission.

It has been my honor to be a member of the SHGTUS for ten years, and I encourage all in law enforcement to consider membership.

Final Reflections

When I began this article, I choose to do so on Veterans Day, reminding me that honoring America's military has been a priority throughout my life.

This includes three years of service at the United States Military Academy for the National Conference on Ethics in America with my book Listen To Their Cries, sponsored by West Point for all attendees at my leadership presentation. 

It has also been my privilege to speak at West Point on three other occasions, and for the U.S. Air Force at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst. 

Additionally, at hundreds of presentations nationwide - including for the FBI at  numerous events including Fort Dix and Fort Monmouth, as well as at Columbia, Monmouth, Princeton, and Fordham Universities, the museums of NY at MoMA, the New York Stock Exchange, educator's and law enforcement - our military has been honored with a photo tribute at each conclusion.

This honor continues with this article, began on Veteran's Day, with the greatest respect, admiration, and honor for all our veterans.   

About the Author

Vincent J. Bove, CPP, is a national speaker and author on issues critical to America.  Bove is recipient of the FBI Director's Community Leadership Award and former confident of the New York Yankees.  He served as spokesperson for a coalition of victim’s families of the Virginia Tech tragedy. His most recent books are Reawakening America and Listen To Their Cries. For more information see www.vincentbove.com or twitter @vincentjbove 

Note Well: This article was published in The Chief of Police, Fall 2020 edition, Vol. XXXVII, Number 3

Photos

1. The Sentinel, Tomb of the Unknown Soldier (Courtesy SHGTUS)

2. The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, Changing of the Guard, June 30, 1957.  Photo by my mom, Marie Bove, with me by her side just before my 4th birthday, remember the awesome emotion of devotion to country at that moment like it was yesterday.

3. The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, Changing of the Guard, May 18, 2019. (Vincent J. Bove)

4.  The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, Changing of the Guard. (Courtesy SHGTUS)   

4.  The Chief of Police, Vol. XXXVII, No. 3, article by Vincent J. Bove titled The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier: Leadership, Honor, America. (Photo: Vincent J. Bove, Arlington National Cemetery)