Posted on 10/29/2012 11:57:05 AM PDT by Cincinatus' Wife
This photo of soldiers guarding the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in the rain has gone viral over social media especially Facebook in advance of Hurricane Sandy.
Soldiers of the 3rd Inf Reg. continue to stand guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, despite the worsening weather conditions surrounding Hurricane Sandy. The tomb has been guarded continuously since 1948.
The photo was taken by Karin Evink Markerton at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, Arlington National Cemetery, September 18, 2012, in the rain.
Markerton posted a note on her Facebook wall to people tracking the origin of the photo.
"For everyone who has asked, yes, the picture of the changing of the Tomb Guards is one that I took, was taken last month. The link to my online album is below, with the original photo. Apparently the picture has gone "viral", which is kind of shocking me today.
I've seen it a bunch of places, with credit given to a whole lot of other sources. That just doesn't matter to me. What's most important, and please remember this, is that no matter how the photo ended up on everyone's computer, I am just so very proud of these soldiers and the mission that they fulfill every day.
The Old Guard Soldiers were not only guarding the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier today, but also participating in funerals at Arlington National Cemetery, filling thousands of sandbags, dragging water buffalos and generators around. There are some amazing men and women in this unit. It is such a blessing to get to know them, the service of the soldiers and support of their families.
Just remember that THIS PHOTO was taken in September and NOT today
Semper Fi!
My wife & I were there three weeks ago (we’re vets).
Very, very moving even though the weather was perfect.
The Old Guard keeps the faith for all of us.
Twenty years ago my 10 year old son and I sat for more than two hours on a very cold, foggy March evening with spitting sleet and watched in silence the walking of the guard.
Today he and others stand on post somewhere in the world ready to guard our freedom. It is a disgrace that they do so at the orders and command of a sorry son of a bitch.
Ever go to Silver Taps? It’ll make you cry just the same as this.
Duty, Honor, Country stood in service of something good once.
There are military guards all over the world who stand in rain and snow in 5 degree tempatures. They are honorable people.
I remember standing a 4 hour watch on a flight line while in the Navy. It was on the sea wall and the temp got down into the teens. All I had on was a pea coat and a white hat. Damn, my ears got cold!
That is just a beautiful picture. I set it to my background.
God bless the U.S. armed forces, wherever you are. I thank you for guarding my freedoms. I love you all.
All that the ahole pResident in OUR White House will do is watch them in a seven-hour battle, and DO NOTHING TO SAVE THEM.
Sentinel walking the path in front of the tomb
Originally a civilian watchman was responsible for the security of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Then, March 24, 1926, a military guard from the Washington Provisional Brigade (forerunner of the U.S. Army Military District of Washington) was established during the day-light hours. In 1948 the 3d U.S. Infantry "The Old Guard" assumed the post following the units reactivation in the nation’s capital. Members of the 3d Infantry’s Honor Guard continue to serve in this distinguished duty today.
A soldier seeking the honor of serving as a sentinel at the Tomb must possess exemplary qualities, to include American citizenship, a spotless record, and impeccable military bearing.
While on duty the sentinel crosses a 63-foot rubber surfaced walkway in exactly 21 steps. He then faces the Tomb for 21 seconds, turns again, and pauses an additional 21 seconds before retracing his steps. The 21 is symbolic of the highest salute accorded to dignitaries in military and state ceremonies.
As a gesture against intrusion on their post, the sentinel always bears his weapon away from the Tomb.
Only under exceptional circumstances may the guard speak or alter his silent, measured tour of duty. He will issue a warning if anyone attempts to enter the restricted area around the Tomb, but first will halt and bring his rifle to port arms.
The Guard wears the Army Dress Blue Uniform, reminiscent of the color and style worn by soldiers during the late 1800’s. Tomb Guards are privileged to wear the Tomb Identification Badge on the right breast pocket. The design is an inverted open laurel wreath surrounding a representation of the front elevation of the Tomb. The words "Honor Guard" are engraved at the base of the badge. A guard leaving after at least nine months of service is entitled to wear the badge as a permanent part of the uniform.
Spc. Brett Hyde, Tomb Sentinel, 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard), keeping guard over the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier during Hurricane Sandy, at Arlington National Cemetery, Va., Monday, Oct. 29, 2012.
(Sgt. Jose A. Torres Jr.,/U.S. Army Photo/AP Photo)
Last time I was there, I was humbled to share viewing the Changing of the Gurad with a group of WWII veterans on a Honor Flight Tour.
He passed away earlier this year, on Memorial Day.
If your blood pressure is running a little low today, go visit the democrat underground site posts regarding this photo. Your blood pressure will be back to a normal high in no time. Thankfully, there are, even there, some who recognize the importance of honoring those who gave all.
That must have been quite an honor, Bob.
The last time I mailed a “care package” to the guys and gals in the “sandbox” I had an elderly gent ask where the boxes were going. When I told him, he opened his wallet and paid BIG bucks for the boxes to go FIRST CLASS. I would guess that would be stateside until the APO address took over. The older guy spent close to $100 which made me ask why. He said said he was a WQWI vet and getting too old to shop, but NEVER too old to help pay the shipping. When we walked out together, I noticed his auto license plates “Pearl Harbor Survivor”. God Bless the guy as he’s already done his fair share of American duties.
My father, a WWII C-47 pilot in the China, Burma, India Theater, fell ill and passed away in 2002 before we could see the WWII Memorial together.
When I hear the argument between guys who served in different outfits, I would always reply that the contract said the government owned you and coming home in a box can happen to anyone. Bottom line - YOU SIGNED AND THAT MEANS YOU OFFERED YOUR LIFE FOR YOUR COUNTRY.
I heard a black cook turned into quite a Ma Deuce marksman at Pearl Harbor. In the military when things get bad...you do what you gotta do to come home. PERIOD. NO BRANCH OF SERVICE COMES INTO THE DISCUSSION WHEN THE JOB SAYS FIGHT OR DIE.
My father, a WWII C-47 pilot in the China, Burma, India Theater, fell ill and passed away in 2002 before we could see the WWII Memorial together
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