The Society of the Honor Guard, Tomb of the Unknown Soldier Turns 20
Society of the Honor Guard, Tomb of the Unknown Soldier 1999 We formed a Society that provided the infrastructure needed for Tomb Guards, past and present, to continue serving the mission as Sentinels of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier after leaving The Old Guard, and to take an active role in helping our fellow Americans honor our sacred duty to never, ever forget or forsake those that have served and sacrificed in times of war or armed conflict. We developed an Educational Program that...
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The Society of the Honor Guard, Tomb of the Unknown Soldier Turns 20
Posted November 1, 2019 in Society SpotlightSociety of the Honor Guard, Tomb of the Unknown Soldier 1999 We formed a Society that provided the infrastructure needed for Tomb Guards, past and present, to continue serving the mission as...
Book Review: The Unknowns by Patrick K. O'Donnell
Posted April 14, 2018 in Special ReportI was recently sent an advanced reading copy of The Unknowns by the editor and was also asked to write up a review for the Society website. The Unknowns will be released on May 22, 2018. Advanced...
Busting Historical Myths with Professor Buzzkill
Posted November 6, 2015 in Special ReportWe are excited to announce that Lifetime Member Dennis McMahon (TGIB #320), was recently the interview subject of "Professor Buzzkill". Professor Buzzkill is a blog and podcast that explores history...
Bonus Army
Posted July 28, 2015 in Knowledge Corner“The whole scene was pitiful.” July 28 marks the anniversary of the Army’s role in ousting the veterans of World War I from the national capital. The so-called “Bonus Army” was comprised of veterans...
2015 Educational Scholarships
Posted July 6, 2015 in Society SpotlightOne of the many programs that the Society of the Honor Guard provides is SHGTUS Educational Scholarships to benefit Tomb Guards, their families, and individuals sponsored by Tomb Guards. The...
Remembering 9/11/2001
Posted September 11, 2013 in Special ReportToday is the 12th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks. As our nation commemorates this day, the Society of the Honor Guard, Tomb of the Unknown Soldier remembers the innocent individuals who lost their...
The Unknowns Project
Posted June 2, 2012 in Special ReportThe Society would like to introduce a film project - The Unknowns - in support [1] of its producer, Ethan Morse. Ethan is a Tomb Guard Member of the Society. The Unknowns, as described by Ethan, is:...
What is the Meaning of Memorial Day?
Posted May 28, 2012 in Special ReportTo answer this question we need to look back to the year 1868. In that year, the Civil War Veterans were in the news headlines and in the American psyche, as a grieving Nation was trying to care for...
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The Society of the Honor Guard, Tomb of the Unknown Soldier (SHGTUS) is able to provide our programs, events, assistance, scholarships, and services due to the generosity of its members, organizations, and individuals. SHGTUS does not receive institutional funding. Note: The Society of the Honor Guard, Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is a 501(c)(3) organization, so your contributions may be fully tax deductible.
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Did you know?
Are the shoes specially made with very thick soles to keep the heat and cold from their feet?
The shoes are standard issue military dress shoes. They are built up so the sole and heel are equal in height. This allows the Sentinel to stand with a straight back and perpendicular to the ground. A side effect of this is that the Sentinel can "roll" on the outside of the build up walking down the mat. Done correctly, the hat and bayonet will appear to not "bob" up and down with each step. It gives a more formal, fluid and smooth look to the walk, rather than a "marching" appearance.
The soles have a steel tip on the toe and a "horseshoe" steel plate on the heel. This prevents wear on the sole and allows the Sentinel to move smoothly during his movements when he turns to face the Tomb and then back down the mat.
Then there is the "clicker". It is a shank of steel attached to the inside of the face of the heel build-up on each shoe. It allows the Sentinel to heel click during certain movements. A guard change is considered great when all the heel clicks fall together and sound as one click. The guard change is occasionally done in the "silent" mode (as a sign of devotion to the Unknowns) with no voice commands - every thing is done in relation to the heel clicks and on specific counts.
