Posted on 11/28/2012 9:24:59 PM PST by shove_it
Former Tomb Sentinels lay roses at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington National Cemetery, Va., Nov. 18. Sentinels, past and present, gathered for the reunion to commemorate the special bond and brotherhood only Sentinels share. (U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Megan Garcia)
Since 1948, The Guard, Tomb of the Unknown Identification Badge, has been awarded to a small percentage of Soldiers who exemplified selfless service while guarding the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier [TUS] in Arlington National Cemetery, Va. On Nov.17, they gathered to reflect on this special duty and the unique bond that exist within it. "We are a part of a strong brotherhood of dedicated men and women that have worn this badge over the years," said Sgt. Brian Gougler, Sentinel, TUS, 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard). "No matter what generation they served in, [badge holders] all live by the same creed." Gougler said he looked forward to his first Tomb reunion because of the understanding he hoped to gain from the experience...
...It can take anywhere between six months to more than a year to earn the badge, the second least awarded badge in the Army after the Astronaut Badge. Gerard said this rarity helps keep the group even closer. "There aren't that many of us, so everyone knows everyone," said Gerard...
(Excerpt) Read more at army.mil ...
As of October 2012, only 604 soldiers have been awarded this badge.
ping
ping
I’ve known two of these men. May G0d bless them all.
Stunning....Thank you
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