Tomb of the Unknown Soldier Guarded Despite Hurricane

the Tomb was also Guarded During Hurricane Isabelle
Would be amazing to see the changing of the Guard oneday.

guards reaction when barrier is crossed

The Old Guard, Great history on Tomb
The Old Guard - Tomb of the Unknowns


The Sentinel's Creed

My dedication to this sacred duty
Is total and wholehearted-
In the responsibility bestowed on me
I will Never faulter-
And with dignity and perseverance
My standard will remain perfection.
Through the years of diligence and praise
And the discomfort of the elements
I will walk my tour in humble reverence
The best of my ability.
It is he who commands the respect I protect
His bravery that made us so proud.
Surrounded by well meaning crowds by day,
Alone in the thoughtful peace of night,
This soldier in honored Glory rest
Under my eternal vigilance.

the best way to honour the dead is to live....

reply to post by Screwed


Good response, I take your arguments on board, nice one quoting my hero George Carlin, I bow to his wisdom.

You seem to think that is a waste of money guarding a symbol, but I personally believe that the tomb of an unknown soldier transcends its own description. Any man who has been in a mortal combat situation understands that life and living is a fine thread that can be cut at any time. To honour an unknown soldier is a profound experience, when a place like that is visited by someone who has tread the line and they stand and watch their children and grandchildren run around playing and enjoying life amidst the 'symbols', that cost money to guard, in your opinion.
one appreciates what a wonderful thing it is to live in peace and one votes accordingly, (I know that politics is a waste of time but - whatever)
to ensure peace for our children, so I think it is important to commemorate and respect the anonymous, people who sacrificed their futures so you can enjoy your cheap gas and big mac n' fries. Ceremony and ritual are fundamental to humanity, and i believe that if people really, I mean really examined what humans have done through the ages and realised that becoming an 'Unknown Soldier' is folly then we can grow as a species. Far from glorifiyng soldiering, I think it is important that we commemorate the folly of our willingness to destroy each other, so it it importrant that these things are protected and commemorated.

When I was about 5 years old I went to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, it was roped off... However for some unknown reason I ran under the ropes and up to the guard to look at his cool gun.... Then he announces to my parents to remove me from the area or he would have to use deadly force.... actually I don't remember what he said, but it was something like that. I never been back since.

My uncle just got back home last year from operation Iraqi Freedom. He was hit by one of the roadside bombs. He lost one leg from this war and he just started walking again. I am thankful for all of the soldiers all over the U.S who are giving their lives and limbs to protect our freedom over here.

I have never been to the tomb of the unknown soldier but I want to go. Sometimes we forget that we should be grateful for what our military is doing and to show a little gratitude for it.

reply to post by Screwed


Ceremonies like this and pragmatism like yours both have a place.

To a point.

It's obvious that you equate being emotional with not being smart, and intelligence with pragmatism. I'm sorry that you can't see that you can have both.

Would it kill you to put a little emotion into this? To realize that the men and women who do serve don't do it for the war pigs who want to kill just for the sake of it? Maybe the soldiers actually believe that fighting in wars actually do help keep our country safer than if they didn't. I agree that most if not all of the conflicts we get into nowadays we get into because the war pigs instigated it somehow or fooled the American public into believing we need it when we actually don't. But just because I realize this doesn't mean I'm going to think that ALL of the armed forces are bad ALL of the time and that it's stupid to honor those who got killed and lost in the shuffle at the same time.

You complain about how much money is "wasted" by this. First of all, that's your opinion because you don't agree with what the honor guard is doing. A prejudiced opinion is worthless my friend, and it won't convince anyone to come over to your side of the argument.

Secondly, what do you really think is more of a waste-- the money to pay guards shift work for 68 years, or the money we waste on worthless "wars" and then the millions to pay private comntractors to clean up the mess and "re-build" the countries that we needlessly laid waste to.

Seriously dude.....do the math.

Pragmatically of course.

You're right, I was just about to tear you a new one. but then I realized that there is no amount of stating an argument with some people that will ever get through to them. Just ask the clan, gang mentality, Nazis....some people just have no idea of what loyalty, devotion and respect really mean.
You're welcome to your opinion and your freedom of speech. (Paid for by those that have worn a real uniform)

reply to post by Taupin Desciple


I can agree with you to a point.
Like I already stated, more money is being wasted on more B.S. than this, and if it makes some people
feel better then go for it. I personally just don't see the point and think it is a waste of time,effort, and money.
But,.........that's just me.

Relax, I am not personally lobbying to end the Guarding of the unknown soldier.
It is just one guys opinion.
I think it is silly but, who am I? Nobody! So who cares.

Hoarding,fight or flight,ritualistic ceremonial behavior,killing,dominance,survival mentality, kill or be killed, and preening are functions of a part of our brain that we will hopefully evolve out of one day.
'Till then, let the taxpayers fund this ritualistic ceremony.

No one is trying to question anyones "patriotism" or lobby for the end of it.
I understand that MOST people who enter the military do so actually believing they are going to "defend our freedoms" that's cool. Whatever. It isn't my job to stand outside every recruting office in the country telling our misguided youth the reality of war and our overloard war pigs whom they will be serving.

I have emotion AND logic and I recognise that both can exist.
I have spent more time at the local National Cemetary than I care to think about.
I weep for those who knew no better and were young men decieved into fighting an old mans wars.
It is a shame that so many mothers lost their sons because of a lie.

But, no amount of names on a wall, or gaurds standing over a grave is going to bring them back.
If it makes them FEEL better, then I suppose it is the least our overloards can do to pay us back.

reply to post by Screwed


Do you apply this line of thought to all aspects of life or just those funded by the government?

For example, is a wedding a complete waste of a persons time and money when all they really need to do is sign a few legal papers?

reply to post by Wolf321


Not the point of the thread but yes, actually it is funny you should ask that because the fact of the matter is,
I think weddings are silly too.
Yes, I am married and yes, we went to a justice of the peace and signed a few papers and whammo,
I am just as married as everyone else who had a traditional wedding.
I do not wear a wedding ring, nor does my wife because a weddding ring is a symbol and we are not symbol minded.
My wife doesn't "love diamonds" just because the T.V. and her friends said she should.
My commitment to my wife is every bit as strong as anyone elses.

reply to post by Screwed


I bet you really, really hate endzone dances?

Seriously, I get where you are coming from, pomp and circumstance serve no purpose except for self-congratulating ourselves for something we should be doing anyway. But, we are human, and many people would rather have recognition than money. Some people would rather have routine than freedom. Many people crave this stuff, and symbology, and the policy, and procedure, and strict structured environment is necessary for them to function.

I don't mind it all, if it makes them happy, more power to them. At least we have the option about whether or not to participate in a huge wedding, or just go to the justice of the peace.

For the record, I'll never be a fan of someone that scores a touchdown and dances around for awhile. Act like you been there before!

reply to post by Screwed


Good to hear. I disagree with you on the subject of the thread, but I wanted to at least know if you were consistent in your belief.

I tend to think that such ceremonies and traditions enhance the soul and character of the individuals and nation, and as such serve a much needed purpose. While those things are not tangible the way a grave marker, a tank or a rifle may be, they are every bit as much important for the military, citizens and the nation.

Perhaps there's something of great importance in there we don't know about... like the Ark of the Covenant?

Hmmm?

Originally posted by Screwed
reply to post by Taupin Desciple

 

Hoarding,fight or flight,ritualistic ceremonial behavior,killing,dominance,survival mentality, kill or be killed, and preening are functions of a part of our brain that we will hopefully evolve out of one day.
'Till then, let the taxpayers fund this ritualistic ceremony.

edit on 30-8-2011 by Screwed because: (no reason given)

Now THAT I can agree with you on 100%.

The bottom line to me here is money, and it simply doesn't take that much to do this for me to get all worked up over.

I respect your opinion and respect even more the fact that you don't back away from it when you realize you're in the minority on the subject. That tells me you're not afraid to think outside the box and you'll stay there when everyone else tells you come back in.

More people these days need to stand by their convictions like that IMO.

reply to post by Screwed


I'd rather spend my money on a guard for that tomb than for someone's healthcare or food whom I don't know and who may not deserve either.

reply to post by Mr Headshot



Jib... thank you. I had two friends serve on this detail and I got to know a little about them (the types). Very dedicate and very honored to be there-honoring the ones who died for their country but will never be Known... I guess for someone who is actually in a position to become an unknown-thanks to an enemy.... it may be a conforting thought to know your country will honor you...

now this reply has to be the best so far in my opinion.

reply to post by Screwed


As I seem to always be busier than I want to be, I have just now gotten back to this thread.

I did not entend to ascribe more patriotism for my family than any other. Simply hoping to convey a measure of how deeply we are attached to this country.

The reason for the guard assigned to this tomb is to contiually show the dedication of this country even to those "unknowns" who have given all they have in sacrifice for her.

However, I am saddened to think of how lonely a person must be when they have never found anything greater or more important than themselves to give a part of their lives to.

But, I guess some people are satisfied to live and eat their turkey alone.

reply to post by hdutton


I think we are talking about two totally different things.
You seem to want to talk about patriotism and service to our country as well as turkey.

All I was saying is that, to me, this is a waste of taxpayer money as well as time and effort.
It makes NO practicle sense but, after seeing how important it is to some people and how much it makes some people "feel" better, I guess it serves its intended purpose That you think so highly of it doesn't make you or your family MORE American than anyones else.

I am not one to walk thru fire and look back at it and appreciate how hot and beautiful it is.
This is behavior that I hope we will grow thru someday.
That's all.
To each his own.

It doesn't make you "patriotic" for agreeing with this ritualistic behavior nor does it make me somehow un-patriotic. It is what it is.

Originally posted by Screwed
reply to post by hdutton

 

I think we are talking about two totally different things.
You seem to want to talk about patriotism and service to our country as well as turkey.

All I was saying is that, to me, this is a waste of taxpayer money as well as time and effort.
It makes NO practicle sense but, after seeing how important it is to some people and how much it makes some people "feel" better, I guess it serves its intended purpose That you think so highly of it doesn't make you or your family MORE American than anyones else.

I am not one to walk thru fire and look back at it and appreciate how hot and beautiful it is.
This is behavior that I hope we will grow thru someday.
That's all.
To each his own.

It doesn't make you "patriotic" for agreeing with this ritualistic behavior nor does it make me somehow un-patriotic. It is what it is.

Maintaining a dedicated physical presence over the Tomb is simply a miniscule drop in the massive bucket of govt. spending. Not paying for it would make no difference to our nation's bottom line in the grand scheme of it all. There is far more govt. waste for you to concern yourself with than paying for this longstanding service to our fallen and still missing soldiers.

I'm not sure why you continually mention that it is a waste of money The fact that the Obama's took 2 jets to Martha's vineyard concerns me far more and probably cost as much as 6 months of this service.

Have you ever visited or seen the changing of the guard ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier? Just curious.

The Old Guard performs services well beyond simply guarding the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

The 3rd U.S. Infantry, traditionally known as "The Old Guard," is the oldest active-duty infantry unit in the Army, serving our nation since 1784.

“The Old Guard” is the Army's official ceremonial unit and escort to the president, and it also provides security for Washington, D.C., in time of national emergency or civil disturbance.

The unit received its unique name from Gen. Winfield Scott during a victory parade at Mexico City in 1847 following its valorous performance in the Mexican War. Fifty campaign streamers attest to the 3rd Infantry's long history of service, which spans from the Battle of Fallen Timbers to World War II and Vietnam.

Since World War II, “The Old Guard” has served as the official Army Honor Guard and escort to the President. In that capacity, 3rd Infantry soldiers are responsible for conducting military ceremonies at the White House, the Pentagon, national memorials and elsewhere in the nation's capital. In addition, soldiers of “The Old Guard” maintain a 24-hour vigil at the Tomb of the Unknowns, provide military funeral escorts at Arlington National Cemetery and participate in parades at Fort Myer and Fort Lesley J. McNair.

The black-and-tan "buff strap" worn on the left shoulder by each member of the 3rd Infantry is a replica of the knapsack strap used by 19th-century predecessors of the unit to display its distinctive colors and distinguish its members from other Army units. The present buff strap continues to signify an Old Guard soldier's pride in personal appearance and precision performance that has marked the unit for 200 years.

A further distinction of The Old Guard is the time-honored custom of passing in-review with fixed bayonets at all parades. This practice, officially sanctioned by the War Department in 1922, dates to the Mexican War in 1847 when the 3rd Infantry led a successful bayonet charge against the enemy at Cerro Gordo. Today, this distinction is still reserved for “The Old Guard” alone.

Still want to cut their funding? We must keep our nation's short history and tradition alive for future generations to see and appreciate.
www.army.mil...

Once again, those men guard the tomb, despite the worse of nature to hit USA today with the comming of Sandy.

My heart goes out to them.

They did not just guard a dead body.

They stood in honor of the memory of our many forefathers whom had sacrificed their lives in great dangers for us all, to have our todays.

May these brave soldiers as well as the memories of our forefathers' deeds not be forgotten, but give us hope, strength and courage to bear and face what is to come.

Good luck all.