An inspirational picture making the rounds on the Internet today is
reminding people of the service of the elite soldiers who guard
Arlington Cemetery's Tomb of the Unknowns in any kind of weather, even
during Hurricane Sandy. That the picture was actually taken in
September is another matter, because even as Hurricane Sandy makes its
way along the Eastern seaboard, soldiers are there, guarding the tomb in
the fierce wind and rain.
Tomb Sentinels from the Army's 3rd Infantry Regiment's "The Old Guard" have guarded the Tomb for 24 hours a day, 365 days a year regardless of the weather, since 1948.
A photo of three Tomb Sentinels standing at attention before the Tomb
of the Unknowns in a driving rain in what is supposed to be Hurricane
Sandy took the Internet by storm today, but it turns out the photo was
actually taken on Sept. 18. It is one in a series taken that day by photographer Karin Markert and posted on a photo sharing site.
Quickly becoming an Internet sensation on social media sites, the
photo garnered universal positive comments of pride for the duty and
commitment to service of those serving in the U.S. military.
The picture might not be from today, but it does represent the
faithful duty of the Tomb Sentinels from the Old Guard who have remained
at their posts during Hurricane Sandy.
"The Old Guard has guarded the tomb minute of every day since April
6, 1948. Today will be no exception," says an official posting on the
unit's Facebook site.
The site also includes pictures of the Sentinels protecting the Tomb Monday during Hurricane Sandy's heavy rains and winds.
A caption for one of the photos says Spc. Brett Hyde lives by the
Sentinel's Creed which in part says "Through the years of diligence and
praise and the discomfort of the elements, I will walk my tour in humble
reverence to the best of my ability."
Arlington Cemetery was closed to the general public today, but the Old Guard continued with its normal duty of honoring the fallen at funeral services.
The Sentinels execute precise steps before the Tomb that is the
final resting place for unknown soldiers from World War I, World War II
and the Korean War. The Changing of the Guard at the Tomb is a popular
stop for Washington tourists.
They remain at their posts rain, snow or shine and extreme weather is
not a concern. They remained at their posts during Hurricanes Isabel
and Irene as well as the 2010 blizzard, nicknamed "Snowmaggedon", that shut down the capital for days.
Typically when it rains, Tomb Sentinels have the option of standing
their watch under a green tent located to the side of the Tomb where
they usually remain during wreath-laying ceremonies at the tomb.
According to the Society of The Old Guard's website, Tomb Sentinels
"are completely dedicated to their duty of guarding the Tomb. Because of
that dedication, the weather does not bother them. In fact, they
consider it an honor to stand their watch (we call it "walking the
mat"), regardless of the weather. It gets cold, it gets hot – but the
Sentinels never budge. And they never allow any feeling of cold or heat
to be seen by anyone."
The Society is an alumni association for the more than 400 soldiers who have earned the Sentinel badge since 1958.
The website for The Society says
that despite their commitment, the welfare of the soldier is never put
at risk: "The Tomb Guards have contingencies that are ready to be
executed IF the weather conditions EVER place the Soldiers at risk of
injury or death — such as lightning, high winds, etc. This ensures that
Sentinels can maintain the Tomb Guard responsibilities while ensuring
soldier safety. It is the responsibility of the Chain of Command from
the Sergeant of the Guard to the Regimental Commander to ensure mission
accomplishment and soldier welfare at all times."
Copyright 2012 by ABC News
